A shoplifter who struck at the same store twice in two days has been locked up by a judge.

Simon Highmore embarked on a mini crime spree in the city earlier this year - just a fortnight after being handed a suspended prison sentence for previous dishonesty.

But 27-year-old Highmore's chances ran out this week at Carlisle Crown Court, where he was given a three-month prison sentence.

Gerard Rogerson, prosecuting, said Highmore went into the B&M Bargains store at Wigton Road in Carlisle on April 17. He "helped himself" to £42 worth of razor blades.

"That was captured on CCTV and reported to police," said Mr Rogerson.

Highmore went back to the same shop the next day. "This time it was beer to the value of £8," the prosecutor said.

Prior to that, on March 28, Highmore had snatched £100 worth of razor blades from Carlisle's Morrisons store.

That crime was committed two weeks after Highmore was sentenced at the crown court for handling stolen goods.

These were English and foreign coins - pinched during a burglary he was not part of - that he attempted to cash in at a Sainsbury's supermarket.

Highmore was given a four-month prison sentence for that offence which a judge suspended for 12 months.

In addition, 200 hours' unpaid work was imposed along with a rehabilitation requirement and a night-time curfew.

But Highmore was said to have been guilty of a "series of late arrivals" in relation to the curfew, and had completed "virtually nothing" of the remaining community aspects.

Appearing in court before Judge Peter Davies, Highmore gave his own explanation for his lapses.

He also attempted to point to a brighter future, saying he had been offered employment.

"That is the only job offer I have had in my life," he said.

But Judge Davies sent Highmore, of Priory Road, Carlisle to prison. He told him: "You have got to sort yourself out."