A PROLIFIC thief who “steals to feed his addiction” has been jailed after a shameful long line of thefts.

Gary Dallas, of Sandpit Lane, Braintree, stole alcohol, a laptop and a selection of meats during a frenzy of thefts this year.

He was sentenced to 44 weeks in prison after Colchester Magistrates Court said the 33-year-old is a “prolific thief who steals to feed his addiction”.

Magistrates added a probation report gave a “less than positive” reason for consideration of allowing Dallas to remain free.

They explained the court was not convinced the defendant was motivated enough to address his issues and offending behaviour.

In total, he was jailed for ten counts of theft from shop, one count of theft by finding, one count of common assault and was resentenced for six original offence sentences, after breaching a community order.

Dallas’ latest offences began on August 31 after he stole £67 worth of chocolate from a One Stop store, in Colchester.

He would go on to commit a total of ten thefts up until October 29, making off with £1,008.04 worth of goods.

Within this spree, Dallas stole £542 worth of alcohol, two selections of meats worth £135, and £264.04 worth of miscellaneous items from Co-Op, in The Commons, Prettygate, Colchester.

Also, between September 27 and 28, the defendant stole a backpack containing passports, certificates and a laptop belonging to a man, in Colchester.

Furthermore, on October 16, he assaulted a lady in Colchester.

Due to his latest offences, Dallas was found to have breached a community order made in September which led to him being resentenced for previous offences.

These offences included the theft of seven shavers, to the value of £729.87, including two Wahl razors , worth £179.98.

He also stole meat products worth £64.45 from the BP Garage, in Ipswich Road, Colchester.

Additionally, Dallas was also re-sentenced for assaulting a woman by beating her, on March 22 in Colchester.