A SERIAL thief has been given an absolute discharge after stealing salmon and bacon - just days after release from prison.

Ian Mulholland, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to stealing three packs of salmon from Sainsbury's in Duke Street, Darlington, on Friday (November 20) and six packs of bacon from the store on Sunday (November 22).

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court heard the 44-year-old, who has a string of 74 previous convictions for theft out of a total of 140 offences on his record, was released on licence on November 10 after serving a year in custody for similar offences.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said Mulholland was identified on CCTV and arrested after the latest thefts.

"He fully admitted in an interview what he had done and indicated he sold some of the items in order to buy food," she added.

In mitigation, Ben Pegman said the defendant had experienced "some difficulties" following his release.

Mr Pegman said: "He has not got benefits up and running and has considerable health problems such as deep vein thrombosis.

"Clearly he will be eligible for benefits and he needs to get some accommodation."

Magistrates heard Mulholland had failed to turn up to housing sorted for him by the Probation Service on his release and had not attended appointments with the organisation.

He was given an absolute discharge for the two counts of theft and ordered to pay compensation of £24.60 to Sainsbury's to cover the cost of the snatched salmon and bacon.