Canvey Island shoplifter is banned from stores across Essex

Carleah Day, 43, of Long Road in Canvey Island, will serve a six-month custodial sentence

A woman who stole about £2,500 worth of everyday items has been banned from three shopping chains across Essex and jailed for six months.

Carleah Day, 43, of Long Road in Canvey Island, was banned from BP garages, B&M and Co-op stores for two years.

Essex Police described her as a "prolific shoplifter" and said she stole meat, cheese, coffee, cleaning products, alcohol and ready meals.

She was convicted of various offences at Basildon Magistrates' Court.

Day also targeted Wilko at Westgate Retail Park in Basildon and Pets at Home in Pitsea High Road.

The court was told she had a long list of convictions dating back more than 20 years, and the latest offences spanned a seven-month period between 18 March and 17 October last year.

She pleaded guilty to shop theft, assaults on retail and security staff, common assault and assault by beating on Thursday.

Magistrates also imposed a two-year criminal behaviour order which runs for two years.

PC Alex Plakhtienko said: "The cost of shoplifting affects everyone, whether it's the retail staff, the business itself or customers who may suffer higher prices as a result.

"And Day's behaviour has caused shop staff to feel fear and intimidation."