A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been handed a suspended sentence and ordered to pay more than £1,600 after committing 16 thefts.

Sean Walsh, of no fixed address was found guilty of taking items from shops in Leigh between November 16 and December 18 last year.

The 36-year-old stole a raft of spirits from both Asda stores in the town and Sainsbury's on Parsonage Retail Park.

He also took an electric razor and shaver from the Sainsbury's store.

Walsh, who stole gift sets worth around £247 from Boots on Bradshawgate as well, was given a sentence of three months suspended for one year.

He was also ordered to pay £1657.49 in compensation fees, which amounts to the value of the stolen items.

The defendant must follow a drug rehabilitation programme as well.

Walsh was sentenced at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court on Thursday.