A prolific thief already banned from some stores stole almost £1,000-worth of chocolates, booze and household goods in a shoplifting spree around numerous supermarkets, a court heard.

Ryan Heathcote admitted stealing various items from five different stores in Rochester and Gillingham, between October 10 and December 15.

The 34-year-old swiped confectionery, household items and alcohol worth more than £960.

Heathcote, of Rock Avenue, Gillingham has now been jailed for one year and seven months after being hit with 10 charges of theft and five charges of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He was subject to a CBO for previous offending and following the latest thefts he was additionally charged with breaching this order.

Investigating officer PC Max Simpson said: "Heathcote brazenly entered various shops across Medway with the sole purpose of stealing for his own gain. Despite being subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order, prohibiting him from entering specific shops, this did not deter him enough to stop his offending.

"His custodial sentence is wholly justified and will prevent him from committing further offending."

Heathcote was given the sentence after appearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, December 18.