A prolific shoplifter has been convicted of a series of thefts after snatching £1,700 worth of alcohol from Asda.

Rae Stephenson, 48 and of Snodland, stashed spirits in his clothes while inside the supermarket in London Road, Swanley, on eight occasions.

The thief then made off without paying during his brazen campaign between March 13 and April 6.

Police would later identify him as the suspect and, on September 12, inquiries led to his arrest in the Petts Wood area of Greater London.

Stephenson, of High Street, was charged with the eight thefts in Swanley, as well as a further theft at a Tesco Express in Paddock Wood, on February 16.

He appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on September 14 and entered guilty pleas before being held on remand.

Stephenson will be sentenced at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.