A PROLIFIC beer thief who was banned from a supermarket has avoided jail after admitting a string of shoplifting offences.

Jordan Wilson appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court on Thursday for sentencing after admitting four counts of theft.

He also pleaded guilty to carrying out crimes while subject to a 12-month conditional discharge.

Prosecutor Mr Lee Dacre said: "The first offence he went into the Co-op on Island Road, Barrow Island. He walked to the back of the store and picked up two multipacks of Strongbow and then walked back out without paying. Staff checked CCTV footage and recognised the defendant, as he was banned from the store.

"The next time he came in with another male and they both picked up a crate of Strongbow and then left. 

"Later that day the same two were seen in the Mace store where they picked up two crates of Fosters and once again left without paying."

Wilson, aged 20, of Anson Street, Barrow, admitted four shop thefts on April 2, 17 and 18.

Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, asked the magistrates to go along with the recommendations in the pre-sentence report.

He added: "I don't think there was ever an actual formal ban; he was just asked not to come back in.

"This is not a criminal genius. He simply walked in and took the items and left."

Magistrates described his offending record as a "catalogue of offences taking place over a considerable amount of time."

Wilson was given a 60 day custodial sentence suspended for 12 months.

During that 12 months he must take part in a six-month alcohol treatment programme.

He was also ordered to pay compensation to the shops of £55 and a £80 victim surcharge.