A PROLIFIC thief celebrated his release from prison by taking his wife on a coach trip to Ripon.

But while browsing in the historic Yorkshire town, light-fingered Harry Hankinson helped himself to more than £1,000 worth of jewellery from two shops.

The 60-year-old thief, of Hatfield Road, Halliwell, even took jumpers and biscuits while visiting Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop.

Harrogate Magistrates’ Court heard Hankinson had more than 400 convictions on his criminal record — 346 for theft.

The court was told he was released from prison on Monday, October 27, after serving part of an eight-month sentence. Then, less than three weeks later, he was re-offending.

Hankinson’s latest offences took place during the day trip on Thursday, November 13.

Hankinson told staff at both jewellers’ shops he had won the lottery and wanted to buy gold chains.

He was shown trays of them and pocketed one from each shop before making off, telling staff he was going to get cash from the bank.

Prosecutor Alison Whiteley said Hankinson left an old, broken chain in place of a new, £900 chain, which he stole from Ripon Jewellers.

He also took a £255 gold chain from Market Cross Jewellers.

And, while waiting in the entrance of Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop for his wife, he decided to take three jumpers and two packets of biscuits, worth a total of £62.98.

Hankinson, who told police he intended to use his haul as gifts, had arranged for himself and his wife to go on the coach outing following his release from prison.

Defending, Clive Farndon said Hankinson had not made the trip to Ripon specifically to shoplift, but stole simply because he could not help doing so.

Magistrate Canon Keith Punshon told Hankinson only prison was appropriate for a man with his appalling record. Hankinson pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and was jailed for four months.