Patrick Ryan, who has more than 500 offences on his record, mainly for theft and fraud, arrived in the resort and stole a sandwich, which he ate.

Ryan is one of the country's most heavily convicted criminals and his method of operation usually involves eating and drinking at restaurants and then telling the owners he cannot pay.

Ryan, 53, of Priory Street, Ashton, Preston, pleaded guilty to theft and failing to provide a specimen for drug testing.

Blackpool magistrates sentenced him to an eight weeks curfew during which he must remain inside his home between 8pm and 8am.

Jim Mowbray, prosecuting, said during Wednesday's torrential rainstorm in the resort, Ryan tried to shelter inside The Manhattan Hotel on the Promenade.

The night porter would not let him wait inside the hotel, but allowed him to shelter in the porch.

The porter then saw Ryan inside a car on the hotel car park, eating a sandwich he had found inside the vehicle.

Mr Mowbray said: "To describe his record as poor would be an understatement. He has 504 previous offences, mainly for theft and fraud, on his record."

Peter Manning, defending, said his client had an alcohol problem and much of his offending behaviour was alcohol-related.