A prolific shoplifter who stole almost £2,000 of liquor from one store in multiple visits has been banned from certain stores for five years.

Rae Stephenson visited an Asda in London Road, Swanley, on eight separate occasions between March 13 and April 6.

Stephenson, from High Street, Snodland, was said to have stolen bottles of spirits worth about £1,700, stashing the bottles in his clothing and leaving without paying.

The 48-year-old was arrested in Petts Wood on September 12 following an investigation by police.

He was eventually charged with eight thefts in Swanley as well as a further theft at a Tesco Express in Paddock Wood, on February 16.

On Thursday (September 21), he was sentenced at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court where he received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Under a Criminal Behaviour Order, he has also been banned from entering shops in Swanley and Sevenoaks for five years and is required to undergo drug rehabilitation over a 12-month period.

Sgt Dan Bartlett said: “These restrictions protect local businesses from the scourge of shoplifting.

“Local officers, who know Stephenson, will work with store employees to swiftly bring him back before the court if he chooses to breach any of the conditions contained in the order.”