A shoplifter stole 15 bottles of whiskey by hiding them down his trousers, a court heard.

Billy Austin, 30, of Cavell Way, Sittingbourne, was arrested following six thefts from three grocery stores in Sittingbourne over a fortnight – from January 27 to February 7.

He also made off with £100 of meat, which he hid in carrier bags, and made off with more than £100 of fuel.

Austin appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to six counts of shoplifting and one count of stealing fuel.

He is due to appear there again on 24 February for sentencing.