A SHOPLIFTER has been put back behind bars after stealing bottles of whisky by wrapping the security tags in tin foil.

Sean McAvoy, 48, breached a criminal behaviour order, which bans him from going in certain stores in Workington.

On April 3, he entered the town’s Tesco supermarket and stole three bottles of Bell’s whisky, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said the defendant was seen wrapping the security tags in tin foil.

McAvoy returned to the store on April 5 and this time took two bottles of Bell’s whisky. He wrapped tin foil around the bottles and left, making no attempt to pay.

Ms Fee said the defendant had been released from custody on March 27 and then committed the offences just a week later.

John Cooper, defending, said: “He knows the starting point is going to be a custodial sentence.

“Since his release, he kept himself relatively out of trouble. He was given a small amount of money from a release grant. That money has, unfortunately, now gone.

“He’s staying with people who are known to the court. You have got to pay your way.

“All the staff know him. He’s on CCTV. It’s not well thought out, the way he’s done it. People have walked past and seen him do it at the time.

“Next time he’s released, he wants to get out of Workington.”

McAvoy pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from a shop and two breaches of a criminal behaviour order.

Passing sentence, acting chair of the magistrates, Kim Fulton, said: “You stole these items through desperation. You had nowhere to live.

“Regardless, you are on licence. You committed these offences very soon after coming out of prison. We are sending you back to prison.”

McAvoy, of Milburn Street, Workington, was jailed for a total of 24 weeks. He was ordered to pay £128 in compensation to Tesco for the items, which had not been recovered.