A serial shoplifter from Colchester has been jailed for two years and four months.

Before Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday was Scott Butcher, 37, of no fixed address.

He admitted 20 offences of theft, five breaches of a criminal behaviour order and breaching a suspended prison sentence order.

He was jailed for a total of 120 weeks which Judge Emma Peters said worked out at a sentence of two years and four months.

A criminal behaviour order will remain in place until September 2026.

The offences took place between March and April this year when Butcher was banned from every Co-op store in Essex for three years. 

Butcher has been banned from Co-op stores in EssexButcher has been banned from Co-op stores in Essex (Image: Essex Police)

The theft charges related to Co-ops in Iceni Way, Old Heath Road, Stanway, Mersea Road and Wimpole Road.

At a hearing last month David Baird, for Butcher, said his client was combatting his addiction to crack cocaine and was more motivated than ever to achieve results because he wanted to be a father figure to his young son. 

Mr Baird said Butcher had made use of his time in prison, where he works in waste management, and hoped to continue that work after his release. 

The court was told that Butcher, who has 134 previous convictions, had spent up to £400 a day on crack cocaine on numerous occasions, and sometimes up to £2,000.