A MAN has been given a short prison sentence for a series of thefts in St Helens.

On several days between August and September, Shane Smethurst stole various products from shops around St Helens town centre.

On Tuesday, August 13, the 35-year-old stole meat products, of an unknown value, from Marks and Spencer, as well as two Karcher Pressure washers, worth £250, from B&Q at Ravenhead Retail Park.

Two days later, Smethurst, of Crispin Street in St Helens town centre, stole £32 worth of Whiskey from Morrisons on Baxters Lane.

On Wednesday, August 28, and Monday, September 2, Smethurst twice stole £29 worth of Whiskey from Asda on Kirkland Street. He repeated this offence on Thursday, September 5, stealing £42 worth of Whiskey from the same supermarket.

The 35-year-old then £44 worth of Fairy washing powder on Sunday, September 8, and magazines of a value between £70 to £100 on Monday, September 9, again from the Kirkland Street Asda in St Helens town centre.

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With Smethurst's spell of thefts totalling more than £500, he appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court on Thursday, September 12.

Indicating guilty pleas to six counts of theft, Smethurst was given a 16 week custodial sentence, including a two week imprisonment.

The 35-year-old will spend the rest of his sentence on licence, and will return to prison if he breaches the conditions of his licence.

Smethurst was also ordered to pay £246 in compensation costs.