A PROLIFIC shoplifter who failed to do his punishment of unpaid work has narrowly avoided jail.

Gary Bailey failed to comply with the requirements of a community order made at Southampton Magistrates’ Court in October 2019.

The 48-year-old failed to attend his unpaid work duties in March this year and then arrived an hour late to a probation appointment.

Previously pleading guilty to the breaches, Bailey of Howards Grove had been given the order for a spate of thefts between April and July 2019.

He stole hundreds of pounds worth of clothes, electronics and toiletries from Boots, Wilko, New Look and Peacocks in the Shirley area of the city.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on January 8, he was committed to prison for eight weeks, suspended for two years.

According to court documents, the sentence was suspended because Bailey is the registered carer for his mother.

Under supervision for two years, he must complete 15 days of rehabilitation.