A prolific and persistent shoplifter has been banned from entering any Tesco store for two years.

Freddie Farnie also cannot enter another shop in Tunbridge Wells after he was handed a criminal behaviour order last week.

Between August 30 and February 12, the 31-year-old stole food and products from Tesco in Pembury Road and Tesco Express in London Road, Southborough, as well as other stores in the area.

He also carried out a theft in Faversham, attacked a shop worker, assaulted four emergency workers and committed three criminal damages at Tonbridge police station.

Farnie, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with multiple offences to which he pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court last Friday (April 4).

The shoplifter was sentenced to a community order for 18 months and will have to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

The magistrates also gave him drug rehabilitation requirements for nine months and told him he must compensate his victims and pay £85 in costs to the court.

They also handed a criminal behaviour order which bans him from entering any Tesco and a local shop in Silverdale Road, Tunbridge Wells.

In addition, he is not allowed to drink alcohol or possess an open bottle or can containing alcohol in a public place, other than when at a licensed premises.

Police Constable Julie Edwards said: “Farnie is a prolific shoplifter who regularly comes to our attention and is arrested.

“He can also become violent and his actions have caused considerable distress to shop workers.

“Farnie is now subject to the conditions of a strict court order and we will be quick to attend any incidents where he is reported to have breached the restrictions.

“Should this happen, he is likely to find himself back before the magistrates to answer for his behaviour.”