A prolific shoplifter has been put behind bars for 18 months after a spate of thefts from Swindon stores.

Martin Morgan, of Sheppard Street, had previously been slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order barring him from entering town centre shops after a string of thefts.

This included incidents at Boots and Co-Op stores.

Now the 38-year-old has pleaded guilty to breaching this order on two occasions and has also pleaded guilty to two further counts of theft.

Morgan was sentenced on May 12, when he was handed a 12-month custodial sentence with an extra six months to be served consecutively after his suspended sentence was activated.

PC Paul Bezzant said: “Morgan has continued to commit crime within Swindon town centre despite being subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order at the start of the year.

“Clearly this was not enough of a deterrent to prevent his offending, so I am pleased that he has been given a custodial sentence by the courts.

"I know this news will be welcomed by local business owners in the town who have continued to be impacted and frustrated by Morgan’s behaviour.

“Officers continue to work closely with business owners in the town centre to ensure those who commit shoplifting offences or anti-social behaviour are identified and dealt with swiftly.”