A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been sentenced for 15 offences of theft from shops in Dawlish, Teignmouth and Torbay.

Ben Williams, 22, of no fixed address, appeared before magistrates sitting in Plymouth last week.

He had been in custody overnight having been arrested in Dawlish by neighbourhood beat officer PC George Miller while he was on foot patrol in the town. Williams pleaded guilty to all 15 offences and a suspended prison sentence order was implemented for 18 weeks.

He was also ordered to pay compensation to Costcutter in Dawlish of £547 and Tesco in Teignmouth of £98.

Further compensation orders were made to Co-op stores in Torquay and Paignton.