A thief has been jailed for six months after being caught with eight bottles of stolen alcohol in his bag.

Stephen Harrison was stopped by police at a train station near Tunbridge Wells on Monday (June 17) carrying a rucksack full of stolen spirits.

In recent weeks the 35-year-old had targeted Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores in Tonbridge, stealing goods with a value of more than £800.

Harrison, of no fixed address, was remanded to appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court yesterday (June 18) where he pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and was immediately sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, which included activation of a previous suspended term for further shoplifting offences.

William Quinsey also pleaded guilty today (June 19) to stealing boxes of energy drink Red Bull at a Co-op in Holborough Road, Snodland on May 22.

He also admitted a charge of interfering with a motor vehicle, in relation to attempts to steal from a car on June 8.

Quinsey, 27, of Bramley Road, Snodland, has a further hearing at the same court, on August 30.

Chief Inspector Stuart Paul said: “Between January and May this year, officers across Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells have successfully brought almost 130 charges against shoplifters.

“These prosecutions help us evidence patterns of offending behaviour, which can also be used in court to apply for criminal behaviour orders and help us crack down even further on the most persistent and prolific thieves.

“We recognise that shoplifting is a not a low-level crime. It can have a detrimental effect on staff who are exposed to threats and abuse, and I do hope retailers can have confidence that our work is having a positive impact.”