A shoplifter swiped clothes from the same store twice after being left homeless following his release from prison.

Lewis O’Brien went into the Chatham TK Maxx branch on May 8 and took various clothing items without paying.

The 32-year-old, who has a lengthy record of previous theft offences, visited the same shop again on May 13 and committed the same offence.

O’Brien, of New Road, Chatham, was identified via CCTV footage from the store and was arrested and charged with two counts of shoplifting.

He admitted both offences when he appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday May 15.

Debbie Jones prosecuting said: “He made no comment in interview but has a lengthy record of like offences.”

District Judge Stephen Leake heard O’Brien had not long been out of prison after serving a 38 month stretch for robbery.

However, the court also heard he had only been discharged with £77 and had used that cash to stay in a bed and breakfast as he had nowhere else to go.

After the money ran out he had been sleeping rough but had been helped out by a homeless charity who had come across him and offered him a place to stay in supported housing run by the organisation.

As a result, O’Brien was now getting back on his feet and was using food banks and had applied for Universal Credit.

Judge Leake handed O’Brien a six month community order which will see him complete 10 rehabilitation sessions and fined him £50 for the offences.

He said: “You returned to the same store which aggravates the offence and you have previous similar convictions which also aggravates it.

“You were sent out (of prison) without funds and that was your motivation, but you are now housed.”

O’Brien was also ordered to pay TK Maxx £150 compensation.