A SERIAL shoplifter who plagued a town centre in the lead-up to Christmas has been jailed for 42 weeks and banned from its stores for three years.

Roger Nugent of Hendre Close, Monmouth – who even included a Christmas tree in his haul – was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation after admitting 13 offences of theft in the town between November 15 and December 31.

Newport Magistrates’ Court heard that he stole more than £450 of alcohol, cosmetics worth nearly £600, razor blades valued at £250, Lego, meat, children’s books and the tree by targeting the likes of Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, WH Smith, Boots and Budgens.

Nugent’s crime spree, which included eight thefts from Waitrose and three from WH Smith, came to an end when he was arrested after an “extensive investigation” on New Year’s Eve.

Magistrates made him subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order, banning him until the end of 2021 from any retail premises in Monnow Street, Monnow Arch, Blestium Street, Agincourt Square, Priory Street or Cinderhill Street.

He is also forbidden from riding or pushing a bike in those areas.

PC Chris Butt, of Gwent Police’s North Monmouthshire neighbourhood policing team, said after Nugent’s sentencing: “This individual was responsible for causing significant financial loss to all major shops across Monmouth over the Christmas period.

“Following an extensive investigation by officers, Nugent was convicted in court and is now serving time in prison.

“The Criminal Behaviour Order will prevent him from engaging in any further criminal or anti-social activity when he is released from prison.”