A MAN has been jailed after he stole beef and washing powder during a shoplifting spree in his hometown.

Patrick Drake, 25, Caldicot, has a history of theft offences and was locked up at Newport Magistrates' Court. 

His latest crimes took place over the Christmas holiday when he stole beef worth £35 from Aldi and washing powder valued at £90 from the Co-op.

Drake also tried to steal beef joints worth £50 from Asda.

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All offences took place in Caldicot.

Drake, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one of attempted theft.

These offences put him in breach of a suspended prison sentence for similar matters committed last year.

The defendant was jailed for 20 weeks and ordered to pay compensation.