A PROLIFIC shoplifter who targeted high street shops in a Somerset town has been jailed.

David Bailey, 41, had pleaded guilty to four thefts from commercial premises in Yeovil.

He also admitted taking a motor vehicle without the owner's consent and driving while disqualified when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court last Thursday (March 9).

Bailey asked for a further theft offence to be taken into consideration.

On several occasions in February he stole products, including cosmetics and electrical items, from town centre stores.

The court heard that last Wednesday (March 8), Bailey took a Ford Transit van without the owner’s permission in Yeovil and drove it while disqualified.

The van was reported stolen at around 6.45am and was found by an officer later that morning, who while conducting house-to-house enquiries arrested Bailey.

Bailey was sentenced to an 18-week prison sentence and was disqualified from driving for three years and four months.

He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to two of the businesses he stole items from.