A Felixstowe shoplifter with an ‘unenviable’ record has been given another chance to turn his life around by Ipswich magistrates.

Jason Grundy, of Gosford Way, pleaded guilty to five charges of theft from a shop when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

The 30-year-old, who had 37 previous convictions, committed the offences in August.

Prosecutor Simon Bravery said Grundy was caught after he was recognised on CCTV.

On August 7 Grundy went into McColls in High Road, Trimley where he stole washing liquid, shampoos and cheese worth £50.

Two days later he took six packs of meat worth £20 from the Co-op in Walton High Street.

Grundy then struck twice on August 10.

He stole Lynx deodorants and three packs of bacon from the One Stop Store in Penzance Road, Kesgrave, and two bottles of Jack Daniels worth £68 from Tesco in Hamilton Road Felixstowe.

His pilfering spree came to a halt on August 21 after he returned to the One Stop Store and took washing liquid and Lynx deodorant valued at £35.76.

Magistrates heard Grundy had been released from his latest prison sentence on May 1 and had gained employment unloading containers.

He had also got into a relationship.

Sue Threadkell, representing Grundy, told the court he had a long-standing drug addiction which he had been trying to conquer.

However, after a deeply personal issue occurred he had slipped back into his old ways which led to a 14-day relapse coincided with his latest offences, Mrs Threadkell said.

Magistrates heard Grundy was now free from drugs again.

In order to help keep himself away from drugs Grundy had taken up boxing and had competed at the weekend.

Sentencing Grundy Chairman of the Bench Dawn Girling said: “You have got an unenviable sheet.

“We have to say that what we are doing today is very unusual, but we have taken all matters into account of how you are getting on.

“We are going to give you a chance. Make sure you don’t come back.”

Grundy was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay the stores a total of £192.22 compensation.

He must also pay a £150 criminal courts charge and £35 costs.