A shoplifter from Bolton, who is believed to be the most convicted man in British legal history, has appeared in court after clocking up his 500th and 501st offences.

Blackburn magistrates heard that 64-year-old Harry Hankinson had been committing crime for more than 45 years and had amassed a record “second to none”.

His list of convictions includes 416 for theft, mainly shoplifting, seven offences of violence, four sexual offences, two against property, 28 relating to police courts and prison, three drug offences and 35 miscellaneous crimes.

The court was told that his latest shoplifting showed the benefits of experience.

Hankinson walked into a branch of the Body Shop in Blackburn town centre and asked staff if the shop sold any expensive perfume.

The assistant pointed out their most expensive products and Hankinson went on to steal them.

Hankinson, of Kingsley Street, Halliwell, pleaded guilty to stealing from the Body Shop and perfume worth £295 from Boots.

He was remitted in custody to Bolton Magistrates, where he is due to be sentenced on June 4 for other shoplifting offences. Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Hankinson appeared in court on Wednesday on shoplifting charges and had been bailed to appear back at Bolton where he was already facing charges.

“Literally within minutes of being bailed, he went straight into the shopping centre and committed these further offences” said Miss Allan.

“Clearly there are no bail conditions that are going to stop him offending.”