A prolific shoplifter has been jailed less than seven hours after being arrested.

Between Friday and Monday of last week, Dougie Frankham repeatedly targeted the Co-op supermarket in Northumberland Road, Maidstone, where he stole alcohol, meat and other items.

At 8.10am on Wednesday, Frankham was arrested by officers from the Maidstone Victim Based Crime Team at his home in Cambridge Crescent.

He refused to comment during a police interview, but by 12.22pm had been charged with four counts of theft and four counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order.

The 35-year-old was remanded in custody and at 2.20pm appeared before magistrates in Medway, where he pleaded guilty and was immediately jailed for eight months.

District commander for Maidstone, Ch Insp Mark McLellan, said: "Frankham had been the subject of a criminal behaviour order which prohibited him entering several shops he had previously targeted and stolen from.

"He repeatedly and flagrantly ignored the restrictions imposed by the order, stealing high value items to either consume or sell.

"Shoplifting is never a victimless crime, and we remain determined to protect our local businesses and bring criminals like Frankham before the courts and ensure they are held accountable for their actions."