A man has narrowly dodged prison over a string of thefts ranging from 153 chocolates to designer clothes worth hundreds of pounds.

Sergiu Rotari, of Charter Place in Watford, stole seven jackets from Hollister and Superdry worth nearly £500 over two days in December and November.

He also took two hoodies and two vests from Hollister worth a total of £176.

The 32-year-old pleaded not guilty but was convicted last month.

During multiple stealing sprees last year – most of which were at the Co-op in York Way, Watford – Rotari also stole 24 cans of Red Bull, 11 coffee jars, 153 chocolates, three bottles of wine and a can of gin and tonic.

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For all but one he initially pleaded not guilty before admitting the thefts last week.

Rotari was sentenced to 38 weeks’ prison suspended for two years at St Albans Magistrates’ Court.

He was also ordered to pay a total of £421 to cover costs, a victim services surcharge and compensation.

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