A SERIAL offender has been given a three-month curfew after pleading guilty to stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods from Asda-Walmart.

Nicholas Parr-Hayden, 54, of Inglesham Road in Swindon, stole items worth a total of £386.99 from the shop on December 12 last year.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting said: "He was seen to select items and put them in a trolley, make a small purchase at the cigarette counter, then push the trolley out of the shop.

"He pushed it to the barrier, an alarm sounded and staff approached him and recovered the goods. He made no comment in interview."

Mark Glendenning, defending, said: "He has been on benefits for some time and due to problems with mobility is moving to Universal Credit.

"He had had no money for some time and used the food banks three times, which is the maximum allowed.

"In desperation, he stole."

Parr-Hayden's curfew will be from 7pm to 7am Monday to Saturday for three weeks.

District Judge Simon Cooper marvelled at Parr-Hayden's lengthy criminal record, which included 42 previous convictions for more than 100 offences and four suspended sentences which had all been activated after he had repeatedly failed to carry out community order requirements.

His most recent offence was committed in 2013.

Judge Cooper said: "I know times have been very difficult and I accept that there are hiccups with receiving Universal Credit.

"Your record is outrageous but there has been a gap for some time which I give you credit for.

"You have reached the end of the line as far as probation is concerned so I am imposing this curfew.

"You will go mad if you have no release so it will not apply on Sundays, I hope you use your Sundays wisely."

Parr-Hayden must also pay a victim surcharge of £85.