A suspected serial shoplifter has been charged after a string of thefts from high street shops.

William Harris, of The Broadway, Sheerness, has been charged with eight counts of theft and one of assault after items including food, laundry products and cosmetics were stolen from Boots, Iceland and the Co-op in High Street, Sheerness.

The incidents happened between July 19 and August 1 and amounted to more than £450 of goods.

On August 1, Kent Police was called to the Co-op where a man had reportedly assaulted a member of staff after failing to pay for a quantity of meat.

Harris, 54, appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court the following day.

He was remanded to a hearing at the same court on August 9.