A SERIAL shoplifter has been jailed for his latest crime spree.

Liam Cover raided shops in Crawley between February and May this year.

The 37-year-old admitted stealing items including 32 perfume bottles, alcohol, wall climbing toy cars, and a football shirt.

He also admitted assaulting Thomasz Klodnick at Marks and Spencer in the town.

The six theft charges and assault charge were committed while he was given a suspended prison sentence, where he had previously been convicted for stealing goods including chocolates, meat and champagne.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court Cover, of no fixed address, was told he had shown a “wilful and persistent failure to comply with the requirements of a community order”.

Magistrate Vanessa Cumper noted Cover’s early guilty plea, but said because of his previous convictions he would be jailed for a total of 16 weeks. Cover must also pay a £115 surcharge.