A wanted shoplifter who stole six bottles of champagne on Valentine’s Day to get money to feed his drug habit is back behind bars.

Noel Clarke, of Nacton Road, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to theft from the Co-op on February 14 and failing to provide a specimen for a Class A drug test while in custody on February 16.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said the 47-year-old went into the Co-op in Hines Road, Ipswich, and bought some beer but also had a black bag with him which was full.

When questioned by a member of staff he claimed what was in his bag had not come from the store.

The shop worker tried to look in the bag, but Clarke left the store and cycled off along Felixstowe Road.

The court heard Clarke was wanted on recall to prison at the time and has numerous convictions.

Magistrates jailed Clarke for 28 days and ordered him to pay £161.40 compensation to the Co-op.