A prolific shoplifter stole meat and groceries across several stores in one town after threatening staff with a syringe.

Ashley Clough pleaded guilty to targeting three stores in Chatham last month when he appeared in court.

Police charged the 33-year-old with 15 offences carried out between June 18 and 27.

The three shops in Magpie Hall Road, Maidstone Road and Churchill Avenue reported having the items stolen which were worth more than £250 in total.

During two of the thefts, a store worker also said Clough, of no fixed address, threatened them with a syringe.

He was arrested on June 30 by police after officers launched an investigation.

He was then charged with eight counts of shoplifting, five counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order and two counts of threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place.

Clough appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court yesterday where he admitted all the counts against him. Jun 1

He will be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on a date yet to be set and was remanded in custody.

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