A 35-YEAR-OLD serial shoplifter targeted branches of the same store in Cirencester and Bourton-on-the-Water, a court heard.

Gary Hanks of Fortey Road, Northleach, pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates court to four offences.

He admitted stealing £165 of groceries from Mid-Counties Co-Operative Stores in Burford Road, Cirencester, on October 27 last year.

He stole beverages from the same store on November 1 and alcohol on November 4.

Hanks also stole £5.98p of alcohol from the Bourton-on-the-Water branch of Mid-Counties Co-Op in Station Road on September 24.

He was ordered to pay a total of £191.98p compensation and £40 towards prosecution costs.

He was also conditionally discharged for 12 months.