A PROLIFIC thief has been jailed after carrying out a shoplifting spree whilst serving a suspended sentence for similar offences.

Marcus Henry stole from stores in Halesowen and Stourbridge throughout January this year. 

The 32-year-old was already serving a five-and-a-half-month suspended sentence, having previously pleaded guilty to nine shoplifting offences and two counts of assault committed in December.

He embarked on another shoplifting spree earlier, targeting convenience stores and a service station, taking items ranging from alcohol and confectionary to household goods.

West Midlands Police identified Henry as the suspect and arrested him at his home in Halesowen on Monday, February 5.

He was charged and pleaded guilty at court the following day to five counts of thefts from shops and stalls. 

Henry, of Spiral Close, Halesowen, was sentenced to 11 and a half months in prison at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday (February 6).

Sergeant Nichola Chester from the Halesowen Neighbourhood Team, said: “Marcus Henry was shown leniency with a suspended sentence for his previous offences, having accepted responsibility for them and being deemed a realistic prospect for rehabilitation.

"Unfortunately, Henry spurned the opportunity he was given to change his ways and started shoplifting again almost immediately.

“He’s proved himself to be a nuisance to shop staff in our community but they now have respite from his activities as he has been deservedly locked up.”