A prolific thief who stole from shops and supermarkets in Thanet has been jailed for a year.

Homeless Reece Richardson, 24, stole meat, alcohol, chocolate, washing detergents and a variety of cosmetics on 13 separate occasions between October and December 2017.

He took the goods, totalling more than £1,000 in value, from a pharmacy and several supermarkets in Birchington, Sandwich, Ramsgate and Margate.

Richardson was arrested for the offences by police officers on Tuesday, January 2 and subsequently charged with 13 counts of theft.

He was immediately sentenced to 12 months in prison when he appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court via video link on Wednesday, January 3.

He has also been ordered to pay back the value of all the items stolen.

Investigating officer PC Dan Sawyer said: "Richard’s repeated offending not only left businesses out of pocket but left staff feeling vulnerable too.

"Shoplifting will not be tolerated by Kent Police and we hope this result acts as a good deterrent for others thinking about committing the same offence."