A shoplifter has been jailed after admitting stealing meat and other household items from multiple supermarkets in a two-week crime spree.

Rebecca Lee targeted three stores in Sittingbourne on five separate occasions, between November 5 and November 19.

The 42-year-old, of no fixed address, took meat, cleaning items and laundry products from Morrisons Daily in Milton Regis High Street, Lidl in West Street and Asda in Mill Way.

Lee also assaulted a member of staff after trying to leave the latter without paying.

After being arrested last Wednesday (November 29), she was then charged by investigators from the Swale Victim Based Crime Team with five counts of theft, common assault and a public order offence.

She pleaded guilty to all the offences at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 1).

Lee was sentenced to 120 days' imprisonment – just two days after first being taken into custody.

Inspector Vanessa Foster, of the Sittingbourne Community Safety Unit, said: "We are determined to target criminals who persistently steal from our local shops and bring them before the courts at the earliest opportunity.

"In this case, a prolific thief was swiftly charged and had no choice but to plead guilty at their first hearing due to the overwhelming evidence against her.

"Any others intent on committing retail crime in Swale can expect a similar result."