A THIEF has been jailed after admitting a number of shoplifting offences in Yeovil.

David Bailey appeared in court having been charged with committing six offences in recent weeks.

On several occasions in February he stole products, including cosmetics and electrical items, from High Street stores in the town, the court was told.

Then on Wednesday, March 8, Bailey took a Ford Transit van without the owner’s permission in Yeovil and drove it while disqualified.

The van was reported stolen at around 6.45am and was found by an officer later that morning, who while conducting house-to-house enquiries arrested Bailey.

The 41-year-old was sentenced by magistrates in Taunton on March 9.

He pleaded guilty to four shoplifting offences, taking a motor vehicle without consent and driving while disqualified. He also asked for a further theft offence to be taken into consideration.

Magistrates handed Bailey an 18-week prison sentence and he was disqualified from driving for approximately three years and four months.

He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to two of the businesses he stole items from.