MAGISTRATES have banned a "persistent" shoplifter from Shipley town centre.

Shaun Kellett, 38, has been made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order which includes an exclusion zone barring him from entering the town.

A total of nine incidents of shoplifting by Kellett were recorded by officers this year alone.

Items Kellett took from a host of shops during these recorded incidents included bedding, bottles of wine and packs of razors.

He was described as being "verbally abusive and aggressive" to staff in shops when he was confronted over his shoplifting.

The court heard that since last year the defendant has 'deliberately and persistently caused a nuisance, alarm and distress' within the Bradford district.

Under his order, Kellett is also banned from entering any retail premises, including car parks, owned by the Co-op, Tesco, Morrisons and Laura Ashley.

If Kellett, of Harewood Street, Bradford Moor, breaches the terms of his order, he was warned he will be jailed for five years.

Kellett, then of Crag Road, Windhill was jailed for 28 weeks in May this year on four counts of theft, theft with another, original offences of theft dealt with.

An application to revoke a community order and re-sentence, two counts of commission of a further offence while subject to conditional discharge, were dealt with for the original offences.

The original offence of failure to surrender to custody was dealt with and no separate penalty was given at the hearing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court.

Inspector Esther Hobbs, who leads the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said the order against Kellett was necessary to "protect those who work and shop" in the Bradford district.

She said: "Kellett is a persistent shoplifter who has relentlessly targeted retail premises in Bradford district.

"We are pleased that the courts have granted this order against him, as it will help us to protect those who work and shop in these outlets.

"If Kellett breaches the terms of this order, he could be sent to prison for five years.

"I hope this sends out a message to others that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Bradford district, and that police and partners will continue to work closely to positively deal with individuals who involve themselves in unacceptable behaviour."