A DRUG addict shoplifter who stole alcohol from a string of stores across York has been jailed for eight months.

Kevin Andrew Jackson, 25, of Peterhill Drive, Clifton, admitted four thefts in Acomb and Dunnington before York magistrates and asked for nine more shop thefts committed between July 17 and October 31 to be taken into consideration.

On one occasion, shop staff caught Jackson in the act and told him to put back the three bottles of Bicardi he had taken from the display, said Trevor Beddoe, prosecuting.

Instead, he ignored them and drove off in a Vauxhall Corsa with the stolen alcohol - despite being banned from driving.

He also admitted driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. He had 42 previous convictions for theft.

"We are talking about quantity, rather than quality offences," his solicitor Liam Hassan said as he bid for Jackson to be assessed for drug rehabilitation.

York magistrates rejected his plea and jailed Jackson for 32 weeks. They also banned him from driving for two years.

Mr Beddoe said Jackson's crimes included:

* October 24, stealing a television worth £179.99 from Tesco's Askham Bar superstore.* November 26, stealing four bottles of spirits worth £54.94 from Somerfields store, in Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb. He was caught on CCTV leaving the store with a bulging jacket* November 28, stealing three bottles of Bacardi from the same Somerfields store. Staff challenged him and told him to put the alcohol back, but he drove off in a Vauxhall Corsa.

* January 10, stealing ten bottles of wine worth together £81.90 in two trips to Costcutters, in Dunnington. Staff there recognised him, but followed standing instructions not to confront him as he had been threatening on a previous occasion.

Mr Hassan said Jackson's difficult upbringing had resulted in him starting to use heroin when he was 15 and leaving school without qualifications. He broke the law to fund his habit. He had had low-paid menial jobs in the past, but had problems getting work because of his record. He had sought help from the Compass drug agency to conquer his addiction.