A prolific shoplifter has been banned from entering Sainbury's and Co-Op supermarkets.

Gareth Owen, 39, who is currently serving time in prison for theft, is barred from the stores in Whitstable and Herne Bay for the next three years.

Owen, of Station Road, Whitstable, was jailed last month after admitting stealing alcohol and cleaning products from the Co-Operative store in Sea Street, Herne Bay, on March 12.

He carried out the crime while already serving a suspended sentence he had been given in December for other theft offences.

On September 3, he was jailed for 13 months for both the Co-Operative theft and for breach of his suspended sentence.

A Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) will now ban Owen from entering the Sainsbury's stores in Reeves Way and High Street, Whitstable, or the Co-Operative Food stores in Cromwell Road, Whitstable and Sea Street, Herne Bay until October 24, 2024.

The CBO was requested by police, and granted by Margate Magistrates' Court on Monday. It will remain in place until October 24, 2024.

Breach of the newly-imposed order is an offence, and could result in Owen receiving a further prison sentence.

PC Chris Green, of Canterbury Community Safety Unit, said: "Kent Police is determined to protect businesses from the impact of repeat offenders like Owen.

"I am pleased the court recognised the necessity in imposing this order and I hope Owen now works on improving his behaviour and keeping out of trouble."

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