Jason Cousins took various items from Tesco on Manston Road on three occasions between 29 April and 7 May 2024.

A local officer recognised him in CCTV footage from the scene and he was later charged with three counts of theft.

The 46-year-old, of Manston Road, pleaded guilty to all three offences before Thanet Magistrates’ Court on 12 July.

He was given a six-month community order and will have to pay compensation to the supermarket.

Kent Police also applied for and was granted a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order to prevent further offending.

Under the court order, Cousins is barred from entering Iceland, Aldi or Waitrose in Ramsgate, any Tesco in Thanet and Westwood Cross Shopping Centre. He is also prohibited from entering any store whilst in possession of a bag.

Breach of the order could see him brought back before a court and sentenced again.

Sergeant Dan Bartlett said: ‘Kent Police are determined to use every option open to us to protect businesses from repeat shoplifters like Jason Cousins.

We will keep building cases against thieves and bringing them before the courts. Wherever possible, we will also obtain court orders, like in this case, to further prevent reoffending.