A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been jailed and slapped with an order banning him from any Co-op or Asda stores in Taunton and Wellington.

Daniel Westcott, 33, of Kershaw Close, in Taunton, has been sentenced to 18-weeks in prison and handed a criminal behaviour order (CBO), which is in place for 13 months.

Westcott was arrested on Monday, April 22 and charged with six counts of shoplifting.

He pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ court on Tuesday (23 April).

The CBO requires Westcott:

  • Leaves any business premises when asked.
  • Doesn’t enter any premises where he has a written banning notice.
  • Doesn’t enter or loiter outside any Tesco store in Taunton; any Asda store in Taunton or Wellington; or any Co-op store in Taunton or Wellington.

If the order is breached, he could face up to five years’ imprisonment.

PCSO Supervisor Sam Bushen, of the Taunton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Westcott is a prolific offender who’s caused significant issues for businesses across the town.

“We will not tolerate this behaviour, which blights our communities, and will use all the tools we have at our disposal to target those responsible.”