A PERSISTENT shoplifter has the dubious honour of receiving Stockton's first criminal behaviour order.

Police welcomed the order imposed on Liam Stephen Purdy, of Shaftesbury Street, Stockton, which bans him from entering any shops in the town centre area.

Magistrates in Teesside ordered the 33-year-old was not only banned from retail premises but also banned from using - or encouraging others to use - threatening, intimidating, insulting or abusive words or behaviour in any public place.

It followed Purdy being handed an eight-week prison sentence for theft from Boots on Stockton High Street on September 19 - the latest in a series of convictions for theft.

Criminal Behaviour Orders were brought into force in October last year under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It is an order made on conviction or available following a conviction for any criminal offence.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Downes said: “Liam Purdy is known as a shoplifter within Stockton town centre, and his actions have caused harassment, alarm and distress to shop staff and security staff within stores around the town as a result of him being abusive towards them.

“We’re pleased that this order will go a step towards preventing this from happening in future and this stands as a warning to anyone else who thinks this type of behaviour is acceptable.”

The order will last for two years until 6th October 2017.