A prolific shoplifter has been convicted of a series of thefts after he admitted repeatedly stealing alcohol from a Swanley supermarket

Rae Stephenson stole spirits totalling more than £1,700 from an Asda store in london/">London Road, during eight sperate incidents between 13 March and 6 April 2023. On each occasion, Stephenson concealed the items within his clothing, before leaving the store without paying.

An investigation by the West Kent Victim Based Crime Team identified him as the offender and on Tuesday 12 September enquiries led to his arrest, in the Petts Wood area of Greater London. Stephenson, 48, of High Street, Snodland was charged with the eight thefts in Swanley, as well as a further theft at a Tesco Express in Paddock Wood, on 16 February.

Stephenson appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 14 September. He pleaded guilty to all the charges and was remanded in custody. He will be sentenced at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 21 September.