A 'prolific' shoplifter has been jailed after a spate of 31 separate shoplifting incidents.

Thomas Knight (33), from Brinnington, was sentenced to 12 months in jail at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Saturday (26 October).

Knight was originally arrested for 11 other shop thefts on Berrycroft Lane in Bredbury, which took place between June and September this year. He pleaded guilty to those offences, but failed to appear in court for sentencing.

He subsequently committed the further 31 incidents at the same location, and also on Compstall Road in Romiley.

Knight mainly stole alcohol - his 'persistent' offending came to a total of around £1,500.

He was detained shortly after, following a police operation in Bredbury. He pleaded guilty again, and received his sentence of 12 months in prison.

"Shoplifting and retail crime is an issue that we are committed to tackling", a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson (GMP) said.

"Various resources and plans have been put in place as officers continue to produce good work across the force", they added.

PC Adam Burgess from GMP's Stockport Neighbourhood team added: "Throughout the summer, Knight had a blatant disregard to anyone and especially the businesses and shop workers he consistently targeted.

"Once we became aware of his offending, we made sure we collated the evidence needed to send a strong message to others that shoplifting is a serious crime that will not be tolerated.

"We would encourage members of the community to continue to report incidents to us and as part of our plans our patrols are in place to provide that reassurance and visible deterrent to people who are intent on committing crime."

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