A prolific criminal with more than 50 convictions for theft-related offences has been given a second chance by a judge.

Reece Fraser-Davis, 37, was arrested near his home in Oakleigh Drive, Woodston, Peterborough, on August 21 in connection with several shoplifting offences.

Between July 13 and August 6 he had targeted Budgens, in Valley Park Centre, Woodston, on three separate occasions where he stole items including packs of meat, chocolate, biscuits, beer, hay fever medication and a copy of The Sun newspaper.

On July 29 he had been caught on CCTV entering a ‘staff-only’ area in Waterstones, Bridge Street, Peterborough city centre, and stealing two boxes of Pokémon cards worth more than £150.

Upon his arrest he was found in possession of nine wraps of heroin.

Fraser-Davis appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday September 30 where he was sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for two years, after previously admitting three counts of theft from a shop, burglary including theft and being in possession of heroin.

He must also complete a 10-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR).

PC Tom Rice, who investigated, said: “Repeat shoplifters such as Fraser-Davis can have a significant impact on the businesses they target.

“We have been working closely with retailers across the city to tackle crime such as thefts and assaults against their staff.

“Fraser-Davis has been given another chance by not being sent to prison in order for him to receive support around rehabilitation to try to put a stop to his offending.”