A PROLIFIC shoplifter with more than 130 thefts on his record has been jailed.

Wayne Thomas, of Edwin Street, Pallion, Sunderland, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court charged with theft on November 2 and November 11 last year.

Vicky Wilson, prosecuting, said: “The defendant went into a Boots shop in Barnard Castle took the tags off several bottles of high end perfume, such as Christian Dior, which totalled £600.50 and then left without making any attempt at paying for the items.

“Similar situation again in a Boots chemist a week or so later, but this time taking electrical items totalling £742.25.”

Thomas, 38, was already subject to a suspended sentence for previous theft offences in October last year.

Gerry Armstrong, mitigating, said he had represented Thomas for 21 years.

“He has 131 previous convictions and we have made numerous attempts to deflect him from drug misuse.

“I have represented him for 21 years, both him and his partner who both have serious drug issues. He has a big hill to climb and he needs to help himself.”

Christine Selby, chair of the bench, said: “You have had plenty of chances and we feel that we have reached the stage where we have to activate the suspended sentence.”

The 38-year-old had a 32 week suspended sentence activated and reduced to 24 weeks for his early guilty plea.

He was also sentenced to six weeks for the first count of theft to be served consecutively, and six weeks for the second charge of theft to run concurrent, totalling 30 weeks.

Thomas was also order to pay £1,342.95 compensation to Boots.