A 'PROLIFIC' Herefordshire shoplifter was caught on camera stealing food just days after being sentenced for previous thefts.

Luke Fenn admitted three counts of theft when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

The "prolific shoplifter", who was subject to a community order at the time, had been seen on CCTV stealing food from shops in Leominster, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

He had stolen steak worth £89.95 from Aldi on April 15, meat products worth £104.15 from the same supermarket on April 16, and sausages, wine gums, and chocolates worth £30 from Applegreen on April 18.

None of the goods were recovered, the court was told.

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Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Fenn, said the 32-year-old had been made subject to a community order, which has a drug rehabilitation requirement, on April 11.

"That was for numerous theft matters and it is quite clear he was stealing to feed a drug addiction and himself as he was homeless," Miss Di Vitantonio said.

Miss Di Vitantonio said she was asking the court to defer the sentencing to allow Fenn to work with probation.

"He has not been complying with probation, but says he has not been able to attend because he has not had the means to do so. He say he is now going to comply," she said.

The court heard Fenn is "easily influenced" and has mental health and drug addiction issues but now has a supportive partner and appears to now be motivated to change.

"He needs assistance instead of just punishment," Miss Di Vitantonio said.

"I know this offence occurred just after a court order was imposed, but drug issues do not just go away. He does appear to be doing something right now, but clearly needs further support."

The court heard from a probation officer that they were not able to add much as Fenn has not attended appointments, but that he had now been provided with a travel warrant to enable him to attend.

The magistrates agreed to defer sentencing for three months, telling Fenn he must attend and engage with his probation appointments during that time.

Fenn, of Caswell Road, Leominster, will appear before magistrates in Hereford for sentencing on September 28.