A prolific thief has been jailed after stealing more than £4,000 worth of groceries.  

Kevin Cleverley, 53, of Angel Yard, Marlborough was charged with seven counts of shoplifting.

The defendant appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on December 19 with police describing him as a ‘prolific offender.’

He stole items from the Waitrose store on the high street on no more than six occasions.

In one incident on December 2, Cleverley stole £1,177 worth of alcohol from Waitrose including multiple bottles of spirits and champagne, which he concealed in bags in his trolley before leaving the store.

The defendant also targeted the Sainsbury’s in Bradford-upon-Avon.

At his hearing, Cleverley was jailed for 30 weeks after his suspended sentence was activated, from when he committed similar offences.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “Cleverley is an individual who plans and prepares to go out and commit offences of this nature, taking items of a considerable value.

"He is a prolific shoplifter who is likely gaining profit from his crimes and it is therefore positive news for the local community that his suspended sentence has now been activated.”