A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for a string of incidents that saw more than £1,200 of food, drinks, and washing tablets stolen. 

Jack Cole, 30, was jailed at Southampton Magistrates' Court after being convicted of 18 counts of theft from a shop. 

The court heard how he stole £1,249.66 worth of easter eggs, meat, cheese, chocolate, juice and coffee during an almost two-month spree. 

The items were stolen from Co-Op in Southampton, Asda in Millbrook Road West and The Range in Winchester Road. 

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The thefts occurred between February 11 and March 30 this year. 

Cole, of Millbrook Road West also pleaded guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker after an incident with a police officer on May 21, 2023. 

He was jailed for 36 weeks. 

Magistrates said the offences are "so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified", nothing that Cole has previous convictions for similar offences.