A SERIAL shoplifter has been given a suspended prison sentence for stealing.

Johnny Wheatley, 35, was arrested after he was caught on CCTV stealing packs of meat from Iceland, on Castle Street, Hastings, on September 6.

Wheatley, of Priory Avenue, Hastings, appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Monday (September 15) and pleaded guilty to shoplifting.

He was given an eight-week suspended prison sentence, was ordered to go on a drug rehabilitation course, was made the subject of a 12-month supervision order and was tagged and given a curfew for 28 days.

He was also ordered to pay £10 in compensation, £85 in court costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

PC Nick Marriott of Hastings neighbourhood policing team said: "We are very pleased with this outcome. Along with the investigation team who charged Wheatley, this mixture of punishments sends out a clear message that we will pursue prolific shoplifters.

"There is a group of about 15 prolific shoplifters in town who refuse to change their ways. With the help of our partner agencies and magistrates, more robust action is planned.

"Shopwatch plays an important role in identifying shoplifters. It is being used in more stores in the town to identify and locate offenders. If you have any information about where stolen property is being passed on or sold, please let us know. Shoplifting costs us all extra money on our goods."

Anyone with information about shoplifting should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.