Jay Jonathan Burns, 34, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after earlier admitting 10 charges, including obscene exposure.

The court heard that between June 2024 and January this year, Burns shoplifted from multiple Dunedin establishments, including some which he was trespassed from.

On January 6, the defendant went to Woolworths in Andersons Bay. The duty manager saw him filling a basket with meat at the back of the store.

Burns noticed he was being watched, emptied his basket and left.

The manager approached the defendant and told him he was trespassed, but Burns hurled abuse at him.

He told the staff member to "f... off" then continuously said "do you want to see my d...?" while walking towards the exit.

Before leaving, he pulled down his pants and exposed his penis for about two seconds, court documents said.

Burns told police he felt the manager was bullying him and "everyone was already looking at his penis".

Yesterday, counsel Max Winders said Burns was sorry for his behaviour.

"He’s probably as sick of coming back here as everybody is of seeing him here," he said.

Judge Michael Turner said Burns was "wasting" his life by being in the system so often.

He noted the defendant’s extensive criminal history — eight pages, including 34 convictions for theft.

Burns accepted he had addiction issues and told the judge he wanted to rehabilitate and would not offend again.

"I’m heartened to hear that you want to do something about it," the judge said.

"If you are serious, this is the opportunity, possibly your last opportunity to avoid sentences of imprisonment, which will just get longer and longer."

After highlighting the defendant had spent four months in custody, Judge Turner sentenced him to 18 months’ intensive supervision.

He disqualified him for one year and one day in relation to a drink-driving charge.