A SHOPLIFTER has been put behind bars after stealing washing powder and Lynx deodorant from stores in Winsford.

Kevin Mark Owen, of Brindley Avenue, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

The 49-year-old stole from three Winsford stores in the space of five days earlier this month.

He took six boxes of Ariel washing powder worth £40 from Co-op on Wednesday, September 2, before taking 17 cans of Lynx worth £68 from Wilkinsons the following day.

Owen then stole washing powder worth £100 from McColl's on Sunday, September 6.

It was the second time he had stolen from McColl's in recent months, having also taken £100 worth of washing powder and liquid from the store on Tuesday, July 14.

He was sentenced to 17 weeks in prison – four weeks for each theft offence, plus one week for reoffending having already spent time in prison from Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, August 4.

READ > Residents invited to raise any concerns at Winsford police surgery

In sentencing Owen, the court said that ‘in light of his record and failure to respond to non-custodial options, only custody is appropriate’.

Owen must also pay a victim surcharge of £128.