MAGISTRATES have given a suspended jail term to a shoplifter who stole 46 steaks worth nearly £500 from a Carlisle store.

Patrick Beard, 37, who gave his address as the John Street hostel for homeless men in the city, pleaded guilty to committing the theft at Marks & Spencer on October 10.

He also admitted further thefts on the same day: stealing eight bottles of Jack Daniels worth £144 from Asda; another eight bottles of Jack Daniels from Tesco, valued at £244; and he pleaded guilty to trying to steal fragrances worth £268 from House of Fraser in Carlisle.

As part of the suspended 42 day jail term, magistrates said Beard must complete a six week overnight curfew.

He must also pay compensation to all of the stores he stole from - amounting to a total figure of £976.