A shoplifter has been given a suspended prison sentence after a string of thefts in Ipswich.

Liam Claydon, of Wellington Street, Ipswich, had previously admitted stealing from five stores and attempting to steal a bicycle.

The 24-year-old also pleaded guilty to committing an offence while subject to a conditional discharge and failing to attend an assessment after testing positive for the presence of a Class A drug.

At Claydon’s sentencing Ipswich magistrates heard he had taken shampoo and conditioner worth £104 from the Co-op in Ulster Avenue on Oct 30.

On November 9 he stole eight bottles of Georgio Armani perfume worth £396 from Debenhams.

Two days later Claydon took two steaks and two bottles of Jack Daniels valued at 57.24 from Marks & Spencer.

Then on November 12 he stole jogging bottoms and a sweatshirt worth £100 from JD Sports, and five packets of sirloin steak from the Co-op valued at £30.

On November 11 went to offices in Princes Street and tried to steal a £200 bike belonging to a security guard, who saw him taking it on CCTV. When confronted Claydon tried to walk quickly but was eventually detained.

By committing the offences Claydon had breached a 12-month conditional discharge given to him by Ipswich magistrates on September 3 for shoplifting.

After he was arrested for that offence he had tested positive for cocaine and an appointment had been made for him at the Westminster Drug Project in Museum Street, Ipswich, on November 7, but he failed to attend.

The court was told Claydon was now very keen to address his drug addiction and had voluntarily made efforts to get help on three occasions, but by the time the agency, CRI, got back to him it was too late and he had relapsed.

Magistrates acknowledged Claydon was a “persistent and prolific offender” but in order for him to get help they gave him a 16-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months with a supervision order and a drug rehabilitation requirement attached to it.

Claydon, who is unemployed, was also ordered to pay £687 compensation to the shops he stole from.