A petty thief who targeted a shop on three consecutive days has been jailed for more than three months.

Chris French, 32, was charged with five counts of theft after stealing from a Sainsbury's Local store in Westcliff. 

The offences were carried out across five days between March 2 and 8. 

French stole a 40p Cadbury's Creme Egg from the shop on the first day of his spree, before returning the next day to take another, along with some mini cheese.

He came back the next day to steal a bottle of water and an apple, and returned twice more in the following days to take some cakes and beers. 

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French, of Station Road, Westcliff, was also charged with causing distress through the use of threatening or abusive words in connection with an incident on March 4. 

He admitted all the charges when appearing at Southend Magistrates Court earlier this week. 

He was handed two-weeks in prison for each theft, and a further 14 weeks in jail for causing distress.

Each sentence will run concurrently.

Magistrates also ordered French to Pay £50 in compensation to the victim he caused distress to.

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