A shoplifter stole more than £500 worth of meat, fish, cheese and drinks during a spree of thefts spanning months.

David Emblen, of Ashford Crescent, Hythe stole more than £541.40 worth of items from Waitrose and Tesco in Hythe, as well as One Stop in Southampton. 

A court heard he had taken lamb and beef joints, five lamb shoulder joints, six legs of lamb and cheese. 

He also stole other meat, fish and drinks. 

The thefts took place between March 10 and June 25 this year. 

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Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, Emblen, 37, admitted six counts of theft from a shop. 

He was given a two-year community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement, 19 sessions on an accredited programme, and ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Emblen was also ordered to pay compensation of £541.40. 

No order was made for court costs.