A SERIAL shoplifter from Barnsley has been issued with his ‘last chance’ after clocking up more than 40 offences.

Thomas Gummerson, 43, of Arncliffe Drive, appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last Thursday via video link from HMP Doncaster where he has been since February 3.

He was charged with a number of offences, mainly shoplifting, as well as the assault of a security guard.

The offences took place on three separate occasions - last August, December and then January this year.

The assault of the security guard took place outside of Boots in the town centre on December 20.

The court was told how Gummerson had entered the store on Cheapside and was stopped by the guard after he had been seen stealing.

He then hit the guard - causing no serious damage according to his defence lawyer Sean Fritchley - and left the store, only to return a few hours later to steal even more items.

Mr Fritchley added: “He wants help.

“He says that he doesn’t want this lifestyle.

“He says that he can now see the destructive behaviour he is taking part in.”

Gummerson also pleaded guilty to stealing a Kindle from his mother, as well as causing damage to a door in her property.

This is something the 43-year-old - who has a drug issue and suffered domestic abuse as a child - admits was one of his biggest mistakes.

Speaking to District Judge Timothy Spruce about his actions and his ten-day spell in prison, he said: “I need help.

“I feel better in myself.

“I feel horrible about what I’ve done.

“I’m going to knock it on the head before it’s too late.

“You don’t know how long you’ve got left.”

Speaking to Gummerson, Judge Spruce said ‘you’re 43 years old’ before Gummerson interrupted and said ‘I should know better’.

“Yes, you should,” replied Spruce.

The judge offered Gummerson - who has 46 prior theft offences and 13 ‘against a person’ - one last chance as he sentenced him to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

It comes less than a year after he was handed a 12-week suspended sentence for assaulting an emergency worker.

He said: “I understand that you’ve had a very difficult life but you can’t change what’s happened in the past.

“You can change the future.

“You need to stop taking these substances.

“I think that you want to choose a different way.”

As well as the suspended sentence, Gummerson will have to pay £448 in compensation and court costs, which will be deducted from his benefits.

He is also required to attend 25 rehabilitation days.

Gummerson said: “Thank you for this chance.”

He has now been released from prison and, should be not attend any of the rehabilitation days or commit any more crimes, will immediately be jailed for 24 weeks.