A PROLIFIC thief who preyed on a Headington supermarket, stealing thousands of pounds worth of alcohol, has been jailed.

Jon Shirley will be released from prison in just one month, however, because of the time already served following his six-month crime wave.

The 34-year-old of Roman Road, Wheatley, appeared at Oxford Crown Court today facing a trial alleging possession of a bladed article.

Prosecutors dropped the case and offered no evidence and instead Shirley was sentenced for 16 counts of shoplifting and breaching a conditional discharge - which he had already admitted.

Outlining the case prosecutor Julian Lynch said the majority of the shop thefts had taken place at the London Road Co Op, Headington, with a handful at a Co Op in nearby Wood Farm.

All of the thefts took place at various days between March and September last year.

On one day in September he stole alcohol no less than three separate times in one night.

Shirley predominantly stole alcohol from the shop and the total value of the pilfered goods was valued to £2,347.78.

In each theft he was not confronted by staff and none of the items have ever been recovered.

The court heard at the hearing today how Shirley also has a number of previous convictions, made up of 18 convictions for 41 offences, including for five robberies as well as further shoplifting.

In mitigation his defence barrister Christopher Sykes said that his client had a 'long term on and off addiction to heroin which began when he was 14.'

He said despite a previous gap in his offending Shirley relapsed in Spring 2018 following the death of his father, leading to his latest spate of crimes.

Sykes also said that his client now planned on launching a catering business for 'vegetarian and vegan people.'

He added: "He wants to have a fresh start and a break from what has happened in the past."

Sentencing, Judge Nigel Daly jailed Shirley for a total of 12 months and ordered that he pay a victim surcharge.

Due to the amount of time he has already spent in custody Shirley will be allowed out of jail on early release in one month.

He will then be subject to licence provisions for six months.