A prolific thief has been jailed for 48 weeks after admitting a string of offences when he appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

Tashan Wilson, 25, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft, seven shoplifting offences, one of criminal damage and failing to surrender to custody when he appeared in the dock.

The court heard how Wilson, of Henry Street, Chatham, stole £400 of alcohol from a shop in Walderslade Road, Chatham.

He also took a £69.99 toy from a shop in Maidstone Road in the town, and £49 of cigarettes from a newsagent in Luton High Street.

Magistrates also heard he took £94.88 of vodka and cigarettes from as shop in Magpie Hall Road, and £100 of cigarettes from another shop in Luton Road.

On another occasion the bench heard he caused £300 worth of damage to a door frame at the same shop and also stole £40 of wine on the same day from another shop in Watling Street, Chatham.

The bench also heard Wilson stole cash on three occasions from shops in Luton High Street, Wayfield Road, Chatham and a shop in High Street, Gillingham.

In total he stole more than £995 cash from the three shops and on one further occasion stole £45 of wine from a shop in Magpie Hall Road.

Later he failed to show up for his court appearance in June.

Magistrates jailed Wilson to 48 weeks and ordered he pay £140 costs.