A persistent shoplifter who stole items worth hundreds of pounds in dozens of thefts has been banned from every Co-Op store nationwide.  

Aidan Hanley, 32, repeatedly targeted branches of the grocery and supermarket chain - sometimes multiple times on the same day. 

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told his hauls had included meat, chocolate and confectionery, cleaning products and other groceries.  

READ MORE: Norwich shoplifter with 386 previous offences back in prison

Hanley, of Dogwood Road in Norwich, pleaded guilty to 15 shop thefts - all from the Co-Op - on various dates in March and April.

Sally Harris, prosecuting, said the thefts had totalled almost £2,000.

His solicitor told court he had formerly had a good job in sales but had run up a significant debt due to a crack addiction and had been forced by dealers to steal.  

He was banned from entering every Co-Op as part of bail conditions, which also include an electronically monitored curfew and daily reporting to police, until his sentencing on October 2.  

Hanley also pleaded not guilty to taking a Toyota vehicle without consent. He will stand trial for that on April 28 next year.