A SHOPLIFTER wanted by police in two counties was finally behind bars last night after police refused to believe the details he had given them.

Andrew Craig Bamber, 30, who had been on the run since November last year, pleaded guilty to nine offences when he appeared before Harrogate magistrates yesterday. He admitted shoplifting charges in Keighley, Leeds, Skipton and Harrogate, failing to surrender to bail in Keighley and twice in Leeds, and obstructing police by giving false details in Leeds and Harrogate.

Magistrates remanded Bamber, of Low Street, Keighley, in custody and called for probation and psychiatric reports to be prepared so he can be sentenced on August 11.

Michael Hammond, prosecuting, said that last October Bamber stole watches and perfume worth £382 from Debenhams in Leeds and was bailed after telling police his name was Darren Lacey.

He failed to answer bail in the city the following month and in January was arrested in Skipton for stealing lager from a Co-op store. In May and June he failed to turn up at police stations in Leeds and in Keighley, where he had stolen lager from the Co-op in Bow Street. Mr Hammond said when Bamber was arrested in Harrogate on Saturday after walking out of Marks and Spencer with food worth £64.79, he told police his name was Peter John Davies. Officers did not believe him but he maintained his story, even when shown photographic evidence of his true identity.

He also refused to answer questions in interview and was kept in custody pending his court appearance.

Peter Olley, defending, said Bamber had a drink problem, which led to shoplifting, and that he was also suffering from depression.