A prolific shoplifter who ignored an Asbo-style court order to carry on thieving has vowed: “I won’t step in a supermarket again.”

Albert Ramsden, 23, made his pledge as magistrates were told he had continued to steal despite being banned from a number of stores.

The cocaine addict fought back tears as he asked a court for one last chance to change his ways, telling them: “My family are sick of it all.”

Magistrates were told Ramsden, from Faversham, had 12 previous convictions for 60 offences, including 45 thefts.

In September 2021, he was given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from entering several shops and supermarkets in his hometown, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Superdrug.

But on multiple occasions in April and May this year he targeted the Co-op in Forbes Road, stealing items such as meat and cheese to fund his drug habit.

His thieving spree began on April 8, when he went into the store and stuffed £60 worth of meat into a rucksack before leaving without paying.

Two weeks later, on April 22, he returned and stole four packs of meat worth £40.

Then on April 26 he put £65 worth of cheese and meat in his jacket and down his trousers before walking out of the store with the stolen goods.

It was not until May 30 that Ramsden’s spate of offending caught up with him.

Prosecutor Sidumiso Moyo said: “Police on duty (near the store) saw him enter the Co-op.

“While inside he put multiple items of cheese in a white carrier bag but was seen by a sales assistant, and left the shop without paying.

“Police then attended his partner’s address and found him.

“In total, £265 of items were taken and the offences are aggravated by his previous convictions. He’s a prolific shoplifter.”

Ramsden, of St Paul's Avenue, appeared before Medway magistrates on May 31 and admitted four counts of shoplifting and four counts of breaching his CBO.

The court was told he was last in the dock in March 2023 for various offences, including breaching his CBO, and was jailed for 12 weeks.

Last Thursday he appeared before Folkestone magistrates to be sentenced for the recent Co-op shoplifting spree, as well as two other theft offences committed in April.

Lewis Holloway, defending, said Ramsden had lived a crime-free life before his first conviction in 2021.

“He’s clearly got a drug problem,” he said.

“His cocaine problem has resulted in this cycle; as a young man he had kept out of trouble.

“He’s only 23 and has been to prison. He’s also been on a [drug rehabilitation requirement], but then went to prison, and when he comes out he’s homeless and back on the drugs. There has been no support.

“He would benefit from a community-based sentence so he can be assessed by probation.

“[His offending is] not sophisticated or smart. They knew him and it was always going to end up in court.”

The prosecution argued Ramsden should be held on remand if sentencing was adjourned, but Mr Holloway said: “He’s been in and out of prison - he’s spent too much time in custody.”

Ramsden also pleaded with the bench to grant him bail, saying: “My girlfriend is 21 and she works and she is supportive towards me. My mum and dad want the best for me.”

He also told the court he had an upcoming appointment with Forward Trust - a charity helping people with drug and alcohol dependence - adding: “My family are sick of it all.”

Magistrates deferred sentencing until August 5 so probation could carry out an assessment of Ramsden, but told him all punishments would be considered.

They said because of his offending and past record they would have typically held him in prison to await his fate, but they had been persuaded to give him a chance to prove he could change his ways.

At this point, Ramsden shouted out: “I won’t step in a supermarket, I promise.”

The chairman of the bench replied: “Behave yourself, as you now have a chance with probation.

“The police will arrest you if you mess up. Your behaviour needs to stop.”

Ramsden thanked magistrates, adding: “I am going to do the best I can.”

As part of his bail conditions, Ramsden must wear an electronic tag and stay indoors at his dad’s house between 7pm and 7am.