A MAN has been jailed after stealing thousands of pounds worth of expensive goods from shops in Kirkby Stephen to feed his expensive alcohol addiction.

Russell John Standing, 31, of Millar Street, Preston, pleaded guilty at South Lakeland Magistrates Court, Kendal, to stealing 16 bottles of Champagne and brandy from the co-op in Kirkby Stephen, on July 2; and two digital cameras worth around £1,400 from K.S Sayer's electrical shop in Market Square, on July 19.

He also admitted stealing 16 bottles of champagne from Mossdale Service Station, Hale, near Milnthorpe, on September 26, and failing to appear at Carlisle Police Station while on bail.

The court heard that Standing had extensive previous convictions for similar offences, and also that he was "an alcoholic with expensive tastes."

Vicky Weeks, defending, said that all the alcohol stolen was for his own consumption and the cameras were to be sold to fuel his alcoholism.

The court heard that his girlfriend had also died in March, which had exacerbated his drink problem.

Chairman of the Bench John Chew said that Standing had "stolen goods of high value with the hallmark of professionalism" and sentenced him to 150 days in prison for shoplifting and 30 days for failing to answer bail.