A man has been charged with multiple shoplifting offences committed in Maidstone.

Police were called to a shop in Northumberland Court, Shepway, at 9.30am yesterday and arrested a man on suspicion of stealing crisps, pizzas and wine.

Dougie Frankham, of Cambridge Crescent, Maidstone, was later charged with five counts of theft in the Maidstone area between December 29 and January 3.

The 35-year-old appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Tuesday where he was given an eight week prison sentenced, suspended for 24 months.

He was also told to undergo rehabilitation and alcohol treatment classes, as well as pay back £27.35 in compensation.

It comes after Kent Police Roads Unit said on Twitter yesterday that the team were called to help officers after reports a shoplifter threatened staff with an "improvised weapon" in Shepway.