A SERIAL shoplifter has appeared in court after targeting Co-op stores in Bournemouth.

Stuart Westwood, 36, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 12, where he admitted to 15 counts of shoplifting.

His offending spanned between April 15 and July 7, and saw him steal items including alcohol, laundry products, meat and coffee from Co-op stores in Charminster Road, Christchurch Road and Cranleigh Road.

Four of the charges against Westwood occurred on July 7 at the Co-op in Christchurch Road.

On this date, he stole food and alcohol worth a total of £264.

Court records show Westwood, of Bournemouth, has a record of ‘previous like offending’.

He was jailed for 20 weeks.