A CRIMINAL with a track record of shoplifting has escaped being sent to prison after he was caught stealing dog treats and other items from shops across Barrow.

Matthew Holland, of Gradwell Court, Barrow, was sentenced at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on September 25 after pleading guilty to four ‘theft from a shop’ charges.

The 44-year-old admitted stealing six bags of Whimzees dog treats valued at £47.94 from Pets at Home in Barrow on September 20.

Holland, who has more than 100 previous offences to his name, including dozens of thefts, had admitted he had stolen a mobile phone power bank worth £15 from TK Maxx in Hollywood Park on August 15 this year at an earlier court hearing this month.

He was banned from entering the store on that occasion before the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be produced.

READ MORE: Prolific shoplifter back in court after stealing from TK Maxx

Holland was further sentenced after admitting he had stolen £10.28 worth of items from Home Bargains on June 13 and a further £52 worth of various items from Morrisons in Barrow on August 27.

Magistrates concluded they were able to suspend an eight-week prison sentence for 12 months due to the defendant having a ‘realistic prospect of rehabilitation’ and obtaining housing and employment.

As part of the order, Holland was required to complete 40 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay compensation back to each store (apart from Morrisons) for the amounts of which he had stolen.