A SHOPLIFTER has been handed a suspended sentence for stealing from a number of Worcester shops and possessing an offensive weapon.

Paul Raymond, of Rose Avenue, Worcester, pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft from a shop and one count of possessing a woodcutting saw in a public place.

The 43-year-old stole five packs of men's boxer shorts worth £200 from Next on Saturday, May 18, Kidderminster Magistrates Court heard.

He returned the following month to steal more multiple packs of men's boxers from the same shop in Elgar Retail Park of an unknown value.

He stole five bottles of Jack Daniels, costing £175, from Tesco in Millwood Drive on Monday, February 26 then on Tuesday, March 12 took seven bottles of Jack Daniel's and one bottle of Grey Goose from the same supermarket.

He also admitted stealing children's clothing, worth £200, from Next in Blackpole Retail Park on Tuesday, May 14.

He also stole £60 worth of cheese - ten blocks - from Tesco Express in Brindley Road, Warndon Villages, on Saturday, June 1.

Raymond took £80 of meat from M&S in Blackpole Retail Park on Saturday, June 22. He was also found with a woodcutting saw.

Raymond was given a four-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and must complete a drug rehabilitation course run by Cranstoun as well as provide samples for six months.

He must carry out rehabilitation activities for 15 days and pay compensation totalling £1,002.

His guilty plea was taken into consideration.

The magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the woodcutting saw.