A prolific Isle of Wight shoplifter has been warned to expect a prison sentence after stealing a Ninja air fryer just eight days after he was handed a suspended sentence.

Benjamin Gothard-Smith, of Mitchell Avenue, Ventnor, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 8.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a shop.

Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said that on September 14, Gothard-Smith stole a Ninja Air fryer valued at £200 from Ryde Tesco.

On September 27, the court heard that the 48-year-old stole three Blu-ray DVDs worth £37 from Asda in Newport.

Three days later, he returned to Ryde Tesco and stole an electric toothbrush and perfume worth £212.

Ms McConnell told magistrates that on September 6, Gothard-Smith was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for eight months, for offences including criminal damage, resisting a constable and theft.

The court heard that Gothard-Smith has 69 previous offences, including 15 for theft.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client had been made aware of the court system and that he knew the case would likely be sent to crown court.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction of the case and granted Gothard-Smith unconditional bail, to be sentenced at the IW Crown Court on December 13.