A serial shoplifter has admitted stealing vodka from a supermarket and attacking staff.

Jake Finn shoplifted across Rye and Hastings over the space of more than a month, stealing alcohol, fruit juice and washing tablets from supermarkets including Lidl.

Finn, 23, of De La Warr Road in Bexhill, admitted stealing from three different shops as well as assaulting two security guards when they finally detained him.

Appearing at Brighton Magistrates' Court on April 18 Finn, originally from Kent, admitted stealing alcohol, fresh juice and a sausage roll from Jempson’s in Rye on two separate occasions.

In March, he also stole washing up tablets from Sainsbury’s in Hastings on the evening of March 9.

The next week he stole beef from Lidl in Hastings but was detained by security guards, who he proceeded to assault.

Finn pleaded guilty to all offences.

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Sussex Police Inspector Richard Breeze said: “Finn has caused concerns for shop workers in the Hastings and Rother area.

“He was detained and arrested as a repeat offender, and has admitted the charges in court.

“It is not acceptable for any shop workers to have to respond to the threat of theft or assault in their workplace.

“That is why our officers are working closely with businesses and staff in Hastings and Rother to reduce the impact of retail crime.”

Finn will be subject to a curfew between 7am and 7pm and will be further sentenced in June.

He was previously jailed after police found his DNA on a milk carton after a break in at a cafe in Hastings.

A till and tip box containing around £300 were taken from inside. 

Finn was jailed for 26 weeks in total for the incident in September 2022.

He also paid £300 in compensation.