A SHOPLIFTER has been handed a suspended sentence after carrying out a series of thefts.

James Alty, of Ludlaw Drive, Leigh pleaded guilty to stealing from a Co-Op store in Astley on five occasions between January 31 and February 23.

The 26-year-old took meat on four of these incidents and washing powder in the other one.

He also breached a community order imposed on him on January 22 when he was sentenced for committing five shop thefts and assaulting a woman.

Alty did not appear for unpaid work appointments on January 28 and February 4 and failed to offer explanations for his absences.

Appearing at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court on Monday, Alty was given a total sentence of four months suspended for one year.

The defendant has also been ordered to do 200 hours of community service, pay compensation fees of £275.10, a victim services surcharge fee of 115 and court costs of £85.

He must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement as well.