A PROLIFIC thief who was banned from every shop in County Durham has struck again, a court heard today.

Gareth Lee Palfrey has been convicted of 58 thefts or similar offences since 2000 and was given a criminal anti-social behaviour order (Crasbo) to curb his behaviour in April.

The 26-year-old of Middle Street, Blackhall Colliery, however, was spotted by a security guard at Boots in Bishop Auckland trying to make off with a £36 Calvin Klein gift set on December 9. He admitted theft and a breach of the order at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court today.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said Palfrey hurled the gift set at the security guard when challenged but later admitted the offence to police.

Andrew Clinton, mitigating, said Palfrey used to have an "horrific heroin addiction" but tried to steal the items because of financial difficulties.

The bench asked the probation service to prepare a report on Palfrey and the case was adjourned until January 14. He was granted unconditional bail.

Maddison's Crasbo currently bans him from: going into shops, except between noon and 2pm; being in the company of Neil Bennett and Paul Graham, entering retail premises he is barred from, damaging, taking or interfering with property on any retail premises and inciting or encouraging others to commit an act prohibited by the order.