A SERIAL thief who stole more than £440 worth of meat and coffee to fund his heroin habit has been jailed.

Liam Edmonds, 31, who has been living in Orford but is currently of no fixed address, appeared at Halton Magistrates' Court last Thursday and admitted seven counts of theft.

The court heard that between May and July, Edmonds committed the crimes across Warrington at stores including the Co-op, on Capesthorne Road, in Orford, and B&M, at Cockhedge Retail Park.

Prosecution barrister Alison Warburton told the court the defendant stole a total of £229 worth of meat from the Co-op on May 15, June 28, July 4 and July 9.

He also illegally obtained jars of coffee, costing £49.90, from B&M on July 7 as part of his spree, as well as meat thefts totalling £164 from Tesco on July 7 and 10.

The court heard Edmond expressed 'remorse' during his police interview.

Defence barrister Andrew Mawson said: "He was using heroin and stealing to pay for that."

The magistrates sentenced Edmonds to 14 weeks in prison and he was ordered to pay £280 in costs.