A PROLIFIC Stroud shoplifter has been banned from all Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose supermarkets in Gloucestershire.

Helen Cresswell, 50, from Stratford Road, Stroud, received a Criminal Behaviour Order following her conviction for shoplifting at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Friday.

The CBO bans her from entering all branches of Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose in Gloucestershire as well as any shops in the Stroud City Safe Scheme.

Cresswell was also given a 16-week sentence which was suspended for 12 months.

A CBO is given when the court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the offender has engaged in behaviour that caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person.

The order is meant to prevent the person in question from engaging in such behaviour again.