A prolific shoplifter is once again in jail after admitting to stealing Christmas gift sets.

Shahjahan Miah, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of theft at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on October 9 and was sentenced to 12 weeks' imprisonment.

Police searched the 36-year-old after he had been spotted on CCTV cameras acting suspiciously in Watford town centre and were able to recover the Christmas items.

He was then arrested and remanded in custody ahead of the court appearance.

In committing the shoplifting offence, Miah, who has been sentenced over numerous other thefts in Watford in the past, breached a Community Protection Notice.

Watford Observer: Shahjahan MiahShahjahan Miah (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Inspector Dan Jones said: “This is a great result of proactive work from officers and the use of CCTV.

“I would like to reassure the public in Watford that we take shoplifting seriously and will continue to work closely with CCTV operators to challenge those suspected of stealing from shops in the town centre.”