A SERIAL offender has been jailed after he was convicted of new offences.

Matthew Holland was brought back before a court after he was charged with assaulting a woman.

The defendant returned to South Cumbria Magistrates' Court having previously committed more than 100 offences.

He was jailed after new offences he committed around a month after being spared jail.

This time he admitted two counts of assault by beating.

The court heard he assaulted the woman in Barrow October 31.

Magistrates were told the 44-year-old was serving a suspended sentence at the time of the offences.

Sentencing him to 11 weeks in prison, they said the offences were so serious only a custodial sentence could be justified.

According to court papers, they said Holland had demonstrated 'flagrant disregard' for previous court orders and for people and the property. 

The victim was said not to have supported the prosecution.

Holland, of Gladwell Court in Barrow, has a lengthy record of offending.

He was last in court last month after pleading guilty to four shoplifting charges.

Holland admitted stealing six bags of Whimzees dog treats valued at £47.94 from Pets at Home in Barrow on September 20.

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.

Last year was jailed for 50 days after he stole from B&M in Barrow.

The court heard he stole a bottle of alcohol worth £13.75 from the shop on November 26.

The serial shoplifter was also jailed for 14 days last October after he was caught stealing items from two supermarkets.

The court was told Holland took food items from the Co-op in Ainslie Street on August 18.

The total value of the product was not known.

Weeks later Holland stole perfume worth £25 from Tesco on October 8.