A PROLIFIC shoplifter banned from several stores in Knutsford has been caught stealing again, this time from a shop in Northwich.

Sam Taggart, from Chapel Street in Northwich, had been made subject of a criminal behaviour order following a series of thefts and public order offences.

READ> Northwich shoplifter banned from every Co-Op in Knutsford

The 36-year-old was banned from entering every Co-Op, Sainsbury's or Booths stores in Knutsford as part of that order, made on June 4 at Stockport Magistrates Court.

At the same hearing, Taggart was also given a two-year conditional discharge in relation to four other thefts, including when stealing a tip jar from April's Kitchen in Knutsford on February 24 2020.

The jar contained cash up to the value of £200 and he also pleaded guilty to stealing two electric toothbrushes worth £160 from Boots in Northwich, as well as helping himself to Stella Artois lager from the Princess Street branch of the Knutsford Co-op.

Northwich Guardian: Sam Taggart is subject of a two year criminal behaviour order

Sam Taggart is subject of a two year criminal behaviour order

However, the threat of further punishment should he be caught stealing again did not stop the light fingered Taggart, as he stole two cans of gin and tonic from the Chester Road Tesco Express store just weeks later.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "Taggart was arrested on Sunday, July 18 on suspicion of theft.

"The allegation related to an incident at the Tesco Express Store on Chester Road, Castle, on at 10.20pm Friday 2 July, where he was caught on CCTV stealing two cans of gin and tonic which were valued at £4.00.

"35-year-old Taggart was charged with one count of theft and remanded in custody.

"He appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 19 where he pleaded guilty to the offence."

Due to the time he had already spent in custody, Magistrates considered Taggart had served a sufficient sentence for the theft and although he was made to pay £4 in compensation, not other costs were incurred.

Taggart remains subject of the two year criminal behaviour order until June 2023 meaning he is still banned from every Co-Op, Sainsbury's or Booths store in Knutsford.