A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for stealing luxury chocolates from supermarkets.

Danny Couldridge carried out five separate thefts in December, all within walking distance from his home in Acorn Place, Maidstone.

He targeted Co-op stores in Willington Street and Northumberland Road, as well as a Morrisons in Sutton Road.

The 37-year-old frequently took large quantities of chocolate – including one occasion in which he swiped 20 boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates from Morrisons.

Couldridge was arrested and charged with all five offences on January 3 but, after being bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court the following month, he failed to show up.

An arrest warrant was issued and on Sunday (March 9) he was detained again and remanded until an appearance at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court.

Yesterday (March 11), he pleaded guilty and was immediately sentenced to 10 weeks’ imprisonment.