A PROLIFIC Isle of Wight offender barred from Tesco has been sentenced for a string of shoplifting offences following his release from prison.

Nino Cavanagh, of Trinity Road, Ventnor, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, February 9.

The 30-year-old admitted four counts of theft from a shop in Ventnor, between January 1 and January 21 of this year.

Prosecutor, Lauren Stone, said Cavanagh stole cider and beer from Tesco to the value of £68.30.

She said he had 37 previous convictions for 74 offences, of which 18 were matters involving theft.

Nicholas Muir, defending, said Cavanagh made stupid decisions when under the influence of alcohol, and now found himself barred from Tesco.

Mr Muir told the bench Cavanagh was a labourer by trade, currently on Universal Credit, who lived with his parents and son.

He said he was recalled to prison in April of last year and released in August.

Invited to speak, Cavanagh said he was sorry and conceded he was “an idiot who made stupid decisions”.

He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £68.30 compensation and a £16 surcharge.