A man with an “appalling record” of criminal activity stole from a woman’s bag while she was working in a Norwich restaurant. 

James Smith, 47, of Stacy Road in the city, went to Yalm food hall, in the Royal Arcade, and took items from the member of staff's bag, including her debit card.

He then went to Morrison's and spent £65 on the card.James Smith stoel from a member of staff's bag on September 18 at YalmJames Smith stole from a member of staff's bag on September 18 at Yalm (Image: Maja Anushka) At this point, the woman realised what had happened and blocked further transactions.

So when Smith then tried to complete a bank transfer of £47 to himself, it did not work.

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James Smith, 47, pictured leaving Norwich Magistrates' Court James Smith, 47, pictured leaving Norwich Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)

Appearing at Norwich Magistrates' Court, Smith pleaded guilty to one charge of trespassing, for entering Yalm, and one of fraud, over the incident on September 18.

The judge said that Smith had an "appalling record" with more than 390 offences to his name.

He issued him a 12-month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay £500 in victim charges.

The new fines have been consolidated with outstanding debts to the court and will be taken from Smith's benefits allowance.