A THIEF spared prison after going on a spending spree with money he stole from a chippy has been jailed after he committed another crime. 

Michael Jenkinson was given a suspended two-year prison sentence in September for stealing more than £5,000 from Ambleside's Walnut Fish Bar - his former place of work. 

The 32-year-old splashed the cash - which was never recovered - on steak, cocktails and clothes during a trip to Manchester. 

But just three months after being spared jail for what a judge called a "mean" offence, Jenkinson stole two £150 jackets from the Tog 24 store in Kendal. 

He admitted that offence and was jailed for two years at Carlisle Crown Court on Wednesday by Judge Peter Hughes QC. 

Jenkinson was said to have been wearing a woolly hat when he went into the Stricklandgate shop at around 3.10pm on 10 December. 

He asked to try on two jackets in the changing rooms but then left the premises without paying and carrying a large bag. 

The alarm sounded but he fled. 

CCTV was examined and Jenkinson was later spotted by a police officer at Busher Walk wearing the same clothing as the previous day. 

That theft was committed three months after Jenkinson was sentenced at the crown court for the burglary at the Walnut Fish Bar. 

On that occasion, he broke into the business and stole a safe. 

Around £5,275 in cash was later found to be missing. 

Although Jenkinson had disguised himself to avoid detection on the fish bar's CCTV system, he was caught out after a former colleague recognised his distinctive trainers. 

Jenkinson, of Greenbank Road, Ambleside, was said to have tried but ultimately failed in a bid to tackle alcohol and drug problems. 

His defence lawyer, Mr Mark Shepherd, said: "He has come to court today with a very realistic attitude." 

Jenkinson, it was said, had initially engaged well with the treatment and recovery service Unity. 

However, the death of a friend and staff shortages at Unity led to problems for him. 

During the hearing, Jenkinson said from the dock: "I have gone off the rails." 

He was told by Judge Hughes: "You were given an incredible opportunity by the suspending of that sentence. You have thrown it all away."