A thief who punched a security guard and assaulted a shop worker has been jailed.

Reece Baker, 31, also stole goods being delivered to a business in Margate High Street.

On April 11, Baker, of no fixed address, returned multiple times to steal milk and bread which had just been dropped off outside a shop in the town centre.

A month later, on May 10, after being refused entry to a shop which had previously banned him, Baker made his way into another store, where he became aggressive towards a member of staff. He left, but punched a security guard, following an exchange with him.

Baker also assaulted another shop worker who had tried to assist the security guard in detaining him. After leaving the scene he was found and arrested by officers a short time later.

At Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on August 8, Baker was jailed for 120 days after he admitted theft and two counts of assault.

Then on August 17, he appeared at the court again, and given a two-year criminal behaviour order which prohibits him from drinking alcohol in public or having an open container of alcohol in public.

The order, which covers the whole district, also prevents Baker from sitting on the ground in front of retail premises during opening hours or obstructing their entrances. He is also forbidden from entering any communal staircase unless there is a relevant reason as set out by the court order.

Officers from Kent Police’s anti-social behaviour (ASB) team worked with the Thanet community safety unit to build a case against Baker, following reports of nuisance behaviour in the town centre.

Sergeant Daniel Bartlett of the ASB team said: “Anyone found displaying the same kind of nuisance behaviour towards shop staff in Thanet, that Reece Baker displayed, can expect action taken against them. People should be able to run their businesses without regular disruptions from those who think they can steal what they like and get away with it.

“Neighbourhood beat officers have a good knowledge of repeat offenders in their wards, and will work with businesses and residents to identify and deter further crime and disorder.

“Anyone who finds themselves the victim of anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it to police.”