A prolific thief from Stevenage has been jailed for almost six months after he continued offending two days after receiving a suspended sentence.

Benjamin Webb, of Shephall Way, was given a 12-week suspended jail term on February 23 after stealing alcohol and speakers from supermarkets – and two days later he stole meat from the Co-op store in The Hyde.

The 33-year-old had already stolen meat from the same shop on February 21 – and did so again on March 5 (twice) and March 8.

He also stole a bluetooth speaker from Wilko in Stevenage on February 23.

Webb admitted six counts of theft when he appeared before Hatfield magistrates on Tuesday, as well as a charge of failing to answer bail on March 1.

Magistrates chaired by Nick Attoe activated last month’s 12-week suspended sentence and added a further 12 weeks, noting Webb’s ‘repeated, identical like offending’.

A further week’s imprisonment was added for the charge of failing to answer bail, making a total jail term of 25 weeks.

Webb was also ordered to pay a total of £251 in compensation and a £115 victim surcharge.