A SERIAL shoplifter who has plagued stores across the region for almost four decades was behind bars last night (Weds, Feb 3) for his latest crime spree.

Martin Kelly, from Darlington, was labelled a professional thief by a judge as he was jailed at Teesside Crown Court for 15 months yesterday.

Kelly, 52, was in breach of a suspended prison sentence for supplying drugs when he stole from five shops last November and December.

The court heard how the total value of the things he swiped was "modest" but it has had a devastating impact on the stores and staff.

The duty manager of Morrison's in North Road, Darlington - from where Kelly is banned - said in a statement that they have no rest from him.

Kelly - who has more than 200 offences on his record - was told by the judge, Recorder Simon Kealey: "It is not just the monetary value.

"The statement from the duty manager says it goes someway beyond that £120 because it is the unpredictability of people like you who steal.

"Not only is it frightening for the staff, but also the customers. Even though you are barred from the store, it doesn't stop you going in.

"That is a significant impact on a local store . . . your previous convictions show you are a persistent and professional shoplifter."

John Nixon, mitigating, said Kelly had done well on probation after being given the suspended sentence a year ago for selling heroin.

Mr Nixon described his compliance with the order as "exemplary" and he had been praised by judges until a lapse into drugs use in the winter.

He said: "He accepts he has an absolutely shocking record . . . but for the first time in his adult life, he had enjoyed extraordinary success.

"They were the happiest and most contented months he had ever enjoyed. He was living a normal life without the need each day to source drugs."

Mr Nixon said Kelly had had been clear of heroin and its prescribed substitute, methadone, for two months, and was keen to continue.

He urged Mr Recorder Kealey to consider another suspended prison sentence, and said: "Martin Kelly is likely to comply with the order."

Kelly, of St George's Hall, Middleton-St-George, admitted five thefts, breaching a suspended sentence and breaching a conditional discharge.

Prosecutor Harry Hadfield told the court how he stole from the Darlington stores of Morrison's, Boots, Sainsbury's twice, and Tesco.