Swift justice has been handed out to a prolific shoplifter who has been jailed less than 24 hours after being charged.

Carlene Ripley stole bottles of spirits and a vacuum cleaner from the Tesco store in Bridge Road, Sheerness, on Saturday, April 2, and Monday, April 4.

The 38-year-old fled the scene with the stolen items by opening and dashing through the alarmed fire escape.

CCTV images were passed on to the Swale Victim Based Crime Team where officers recognised the notorious thief.

Ripley, of Richmond Street, Sheerness, was arrested on Saturday, May 21, and charged with two counts of theft the following day.

On Monday, May 23, she appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court where she pleaded guilty.

Ripley had breached two previous suspended sentences related to shoplifting offences and was jailed on the same day to 10 months.

"Shoplifting is never a victimless crime and it can have a drastic effect on businesses..."

Inspector Paul Stoner said: "Prolific criminals like Ripley relentlessly target retailers with the sole intention of stealing high value items to either consume or sell.

"Shoplifting is never a victimless crime and it can have a drastic effect on businesses, which is why we use plain clothes officers as part of our ongoing efforts to prevent and catch thieves who target our communities."