A MAN from Kidderminster was handed a suspended jail sentence after he was caught on seven different occasions stealing the same brand of carpet cleaner from shops in the town.

Ian Smith, AKA Roberts, of Teme Avenue, pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft when he appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, October 27.

The 27-year-old stole Rug Doctor carpet cleaner, of an unknown value, on seven occasions between April 15 and July 20 this year.

He stole the products from Tesco stores in Kidderminster and Stourport, B&Q in Green Street, and Homebase.

Smith also admitted four counts of fraud by falsely advertising items for sale, intending to cause other people to risk of loss.

Magistrates sentenced Smith to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

They said his crimes were made even more serious by the nature of the offences and his record of convictions.

He was also ordered to pay compensation totalling £1,040.

In another case, a man from Kidderminster must abide by a curfew after he was caught stealing lamb and beef joints from Aldi.

Jason Baker, aged 48, of Larkhill, pleaded guilty to taking two lamb joints and two beef joints worth a total of £53.28 from Aldi in Kidderminster on September 30 this year.

He also admitted stealing 18 Fabreze spray capsules worth £53.82 from the town's B&M on October 26.

Magistrates made a community order, requiring Baker to follow the rules of a curfew with electronic monitoring until November 23.

The curfew means he can't leave his house between 6pm and 6am.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £53.28 for the meat he stole.

In another case, a man who bared all in Redditch avoided jail after he admitted exposing his private parts in public.

Paul Todd, of Hoveton Close, pleaded guilty to exposing his genitals, intending that someone would see them and be caused alarm or distress.

The incident took place in Redditch last October.

The 49-year-old received a 16-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months and was ordered to pay £300 in compensation.

A restraining order was also made and a requirement for Todd to register with police.