A prolific thief who was banned from entering a string of supermarkets and shops across north Cumbria has been jailed.

Lawrence Wilson, 30, of no fixed address, was handed a 200 day prison sentence at West Cumbria Magistrates' Court for breaching a criminal behaviour order.

He was prohibited from entering any retailers under the Shopwatch Scheme in Carlisle, Workington and Whithaven and told not to enter any Tesco supermarkets in those areas.

He was also banned from Morrisons in Workington and Whitehaven as well as both town centres, with the exception of attending appointments with the Probation Service.

Workington's Derwent Howe Industrial Estate also came under the ban, which he was given in November 2016.

Wilson was caught on CCTV stealing a wireless speaker from Wilko in Whitehaven on April 22 this year. He returned to the store the following day and stole two razors.

Police saw him walking across Lowther Street on May 2, a location he was prohibited from entering, and he was subsequently arrested.

Following his sentencing on Friday, Copeland Police Sergeant David Macdonald said: “Wilson is a prolific offender and we are glad that he has been identified once again and taken off the streets. He will continue to be closely monitored on his release.

“Criminal behaviour orders allow us to keep targeting such offenders and are a valuable tool in targeting shoplifters and thieves.

“This sentencing follows ongoing proactive work targeting such offences in Whitehaven.

"Community officers will continue to patrol hot-spot areas to deter criminals and disrupt their activities.

"We are grateful to our communities for the information they provide on theft and other crime. If you continue to provide information, we can keep taking such positive action.”