A 29-year-old homeless man has been put behind bars after a shoplifting spree in Isle of Wight Co-op stores. 

Andrew Downard, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 16 weeks on Tuesday (October 24) after he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

He was charged with burglary, eight counts of theft and attempted theft between October 7 and 22. 

On October 12, Downard burgled Co-op on Sandown High Street, going behind the staff counter and stealing £53.50 worth of tobacco. 

Between October 7 and 22, Downard committed seven counts of theft of food and drink from Co-op on Sandown High Street. 

On October 17, he stole food and drink from Co-op on Avenue Road, Sandown and was charged with attempted theft of food and drink from the same store the next day.

Downard admitted all the offences and, as well as the jail sentence, was ordered to pay £89.80 compensation to cover the costs of the stolen goods.