Homeless Rowan Prior had his wish granted when he got a four-week prison stay for shoplifting.
The 40-year-old told city magistrates his last jail term was too short for him to receive cash when freed.
That prompted him to steal a t-shirt and jumper worth £70 from the Superdry store in the city on June 27. He was detained when he returned to the shop the next day.
His solicitor Julia Haywood told the court on Saturday: "He has fallen foul of a vicious circle in the system.
"He came out of prison with no money to get him down to London, where he is from. That is why he carried out this theft.
"Being very realistic, he asks you to deal with him by way of a prison sentence."
Prior then told the three JPs: "It needs to be at least a month in prison. If it is less, they don't give you any money whatsoever.
"I just want that. A small sentence is no good and with a longer one, people can get institutionalised."
He said his last prison term enabled him to beat a drugs problem.
An eight-week jail term was imposed on Prior, who admitted theft. Under current terms, he will serve four weeks inside and the rest on licence.
"It must be your lucky day, although a lot of people would not say so," he was told by presiding magistrate Jennifer Wood.
She added: "You say you are off drugs. This is a last chance to get yourself sorted out and go down to London. How fortunate for you."
Prior must pay £115 government tax and £70 compensation to the shop for the stolen goods.
Leanne Townsend, prosecuting, said Prior went into the Superdry shop and took the two items. He left without paying.
"He returned the following day and was recognised by a member of staff and detained until police arrived.
"He said that he had stolen the items to buy food because he had not received any money since he was released from prison six days ago," said Miss Townsend.
She told the court that his criminal record includes "a significant number of dishonesty matters."
