A PROLIFIC shoplifter who stole around £1,200 of alcohol from two supermarkets in St Neots has been banned from entering Waitrose stores.

Roberto Penta, 57, of Cavendish Street, Bedford, stole alcohol from Waitrose on seven occasions and the Co-operative store in Eaton Socon twice last year to steal alcohol, including Champagne.

On Thursday (February 7) Penta was given a two-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, a six-month supervision order and barred from entering Waitrose stores for 12 months.

He previously admitted nine charges of theft on January 17.

Pc Amanda Foreman said: “Thanks to public appeals and working closely with local retail outlets we were able to trace Penta and ensure he was brought to justice.”