A renowned dumb crook proved he should consider a career change after he wore a "distinctive" hat to use a stolen bank.
Four months ago, Steven Matthewson was snared for a shop burglary after he made-off with booze from B & M Bargains but left his prison ID card at the scene.
The 49-year-old was on licence from prison at the time but was given a chance and made subject of a 12-month community order.
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A court heard, however, that he soon returned to his hapless form when he repeatedly used a stolen bank card at shops and a Metro station - all while wearing a "distinctive" bobble hat.
Matthewson managed to spend £132 on booze, cigarettes and Metro tickets before police identified him from CCTV.
And, when they searched his home in Chesters Avenue, Longbenton, officers found the incriminating hat.
Now, Matthewson has been given an 18-month conditional discharge and has been recalled to prison after he pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation and one of receiving stolen goods.
Rebecca Gibson, prosecuting at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court, said the owner of the stolen card was the victim of a burglary between February 13 and 14 this year, during which her purse and bank cards were taken.
It was noted two cards had been used illegally in the Longbenton, Shiremoor and Holystone areas and the police were informed.
Mrs Gibson continued: "Officers conducted enquiries and recovered CCTV from various locations."
The locations included the Jet garage, in Holystone, a Spa shop, in Shiremoor, Four Lane Ends Metro Station and Tesco, in Four Lane Ends.
In total, £132-worth of good were purchased over six transactions.
Mrs Gibson added: "From the CCTV, police noted that the person using the card was wearing a distinctive bobble hat in blue and white and that was later recovered from the defendant's address."
The court heard that Matthewson had 79 offences on his record and was on licence from prison, having been jailed for a house burglary in 2018.
He was then given a community order for the B & M shop burglary in October last year, which he breached a few weeks later.
John Kirkham, defending, said Matthewson had been handed the card by "someone" and had used it because he was suffering from financial difficulties.
Mr Kirkham added: "He has been going through a difficult time. He has been getting treatment for anxiety and depression."
