A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been jailed for 44 weeks after admitting to stealing more than £900 worth of alcohol from shops across Andover.

Lee Oak, 43, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Friday, August 30.

He pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft from a shop and four breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

READ MORE: Cocaine drug driver banned from the roads for 12 months

The court heard that this offending took place at shops in Andover between Thursday, July 25 and Monday, August 19.

Oak stole bottles of alcohol worth £993 from stores including the Co-op in Salisbury Road, and the Sainsbury's in Shepherds Spring Lane.

He had previously been handed a CBO in June for previous shoplifting offences, banning him from visiting any Co-op store in Hampshire, as well as other stores in Andover.

Oak was arrested in Andover High Street on Wednesday, August 28 and was later charged.

Sergeant Rob Perry said: "Lee Oak is a repeat offender who took these items with no intention of paying for them.

“We will continue to use all options available to us when it comes to repeat shoplifters. No staff member should come to work and witness or fear criminality.”