A man arrested in Petts Wood over a string of shoplifting offences will be sentenced after pleading guilty to all charges.

Rae Stephenson stole spirits worth over £1,700 from an Asda store on London Road in Swanley.

There were eight separate incidents of shoplifting between March 13 and April 6, 2023.

Each time he shoplifted, Stephenson hid the items in his clothes before leaving the shop without paying.

Following an investigation identifying him as the offender, he was arrested in Petts Wood on Tuesday, September 12.

Stephenson was charged with eight thefts in Swanley and one additional theft in Paddock Wood at a Tesco Express.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 14 and pleaded guilty to all charges and was remanded in custody.

He will be sentenced at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, September 21).

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “A prolific shoplifter has been convicted of a series of thefts after he admitted repeatedly stealing alcohol from a Swanley supermarket.

“Rae Stephenson stole spirits totalling more than £1,700 from an Asda store in London Road, during eight separate incidents between 13 March and 6 April 2023.

“On each occasion, Stephenson concealed the items within his clothing, before leaving the store without paying.

“An investigation by the West Kent Victim Based Crime Team identified him as the offender and on Tuesday 12 September enquiries led to his arrest, in the Petts Wood area of Greater London.

“Stephenson, 48, of High Street, Snodland was charged with the eight thefts in Swanley, as well as a further theft at a Tesco Express in Paddock Wood, on 16 February.

“Stephenson appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 14 September. He pleaded guilty to all the charges and was remanded in custody.

“He will be sentenced at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 21 September.”