A SHOPLIFTER with more than 100 previous theft offences on his criminal record has been spared jail – for the moment.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, dad-of-four Shane Watson admitted a further nine shoplifting crimes.

JPs were told he had stolen sweets, chocolate, air fresheners, laundry products, electric toothbrushes and even a deep fat fryer to fund his cocaine habit and pay the electricity and gas bill.

But Watson, 37, of Burnham Road, Park North, managed to avoid an immediate spell in custody after magistrates heard he was now on a drug substitute prescription and was working hard with the probation service.

Harriet Heard, defending, said her client tended to struggle when he was out of work, fell into drugs and struggled financially. Recently, the labourer had lost his CSCS card, meaning many firms were unwilling to hire him for construction site work. However, he had been promised a job starting on Wednesday.

Magistrates sentenced Watson to 15 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years. He must abide by a 15 week curfew and pay £673.88 in compensation to Wilko, B&M Bargains and Superdrug.