A PROLIFIC shoplifter who stole nearly £500 in hair products has been sentenced to jail.

Appearing at Brighton Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Arron Jones was charged with 11 counts of theft from a shop.

The unemployed 27-year-old from Worthing pleaded guilty to all offences, which took place between January and July. Charges included the theft of nearly £500 worth of hair products from Boots in Worthing and £200 worth of items from the Co-operative in Lancing.

Jones was also convicted of eight breaches of a Community Protection Notice and common assault on July 19. He was sentenced to 42 weeks in prison, with a number of suspended sentences imposed to run concurrently.

Prevention Sergeant Craig Burgess said: “Jones committed a number of thefts from shops in the Adur and Worthing area during the lockdown period when businesses were staying open to provide a much needed service to the community. Such prolific offenders will always be targeted by police and we welcome the sentence from the courts.”