A shoplifter has been jailed despite a 'significant turnaround' in his behaviour.

Daniel Hough, of Chester Road in Middlewich, has been sentenced to 55 weeks in custody.

It comes after the 35-year-old admitted to a pair of shoplifting offences in Crewe, in turn breaching the terms of a previous suspended sentence order.

Chloe Durose, prosecuting, explained that at 8.30pm on May 21 this year, Hough entered a Tesco Express in Crewe.

He placed Ferrero Rochers, Coffee and chocolate into a carrier bag before leaving the store without making any attempt to pay.

Then, on May 29, Hough walked into a Co-op store in Crewe and placed two iced coffee drinks in his pocket, again leaving the store without paying.

Daniel Hough, of Chester Road in Middlewich (Credit: Cheshire Police)

In committing these offences, Hough breached the terms of a suspended sentence order handed to him just days before the initial incident.

At Warrington Magistrates Court on May 16, Hough was sentenced to 12 months, suspended for two years, after admitting to the theft of a gold ring in Sandbach.

As part of this sentence, he was also ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation programme.

At the sentencing for the shoplifting offences at Crewe Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 6, the court heard how there has been a 'significant turnaround' since Hough started rehab.

Stuart Flood, defending, said Hough's the last five years have been 'very difficult for him' because of drug use and homelessness.

This in turn has ruined his relationship with his daughter.

However, he has now got accommodation in Middlewich, is on medication for his mental health and has a prescription for methadone to help treat his drug dependency.

"It would be very sad from his point of view if he was sent to prison for two fairly minor shoplifting offences," Mr Flood said.

"These offences were committed out of need more than anything else.

"He is very determined now to sort his life out."

Hough has been banned from entering Grand Junction Retail Park for two years (Credit: Nub News)

Despite Mr Flood's words and a very positive report from the probation service, the magistrates opted to activate the suspended sentence order, adding a further three weeks for the shoplifting offences.

This takes his total sentence to 55 weeks, of which he will serve at least half before being released on licence.

On top of this, Hough has been banned from entering Tesco Express on Macon Way in Crewe, Grand Junction Retail Park in Crewe and any Co-op store in Cheshire for two years.

He will also have to pay £53 in compensation.