A prolific thief who targeted Co-op and Boots on Orpington High Street 15 times has been spared jail. 

Neill Martin, 39, was banned from the shops and ordered to undergo a drugs rehabilitation programme after he pleaded guilty to the thefts. 

Between March and June he stole over £6,600 worth of goods from the stores, a court heard. 

Martin, of Elmcroft Road in Orpington, pleaded guilty to the offences before appearing at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on August 10. 

Magistrates decided that he had a strong and realistic prospect of rehabilitation as he had sought help for his drug problems on his own accord. 

He was given a six-month prison sentence but it was suspended for two years meaning he won’t serve the sentence in custody unless he offends again during that time. 

His offences are listed below:  

  • On March 31 stole £100 of meat from Co-op 
  • On April 1 stole £50 of East Eggs from Co-op 
  • On April 4 stole £80 of meat and chocolate from Co-op 
  • On April 4 stole £300 of alcohol from Co-op 
  • On May 25 stole £400 of alcohol from Co-op 
  • On May 26 stole £150 of alcohol from Co-op 
  • On May 26 stole £500 of skincare products from Boots 
  • On May 27 stole £200 of meat and coffee from Co-op 
  • On May 30 stole £300 of chocolate from Co-op 
  • On May 30 stole £300 of makeup from Boots 
  • On June 1 stole £1,279 of fragrance products from Boots 
  • On June 3 stole £150 of alcohol from Co-op 
  • On June 3 stole £2,500 of fragrance products from Boots 
  • On June 4 stole £150 of alcohol from Co-op 
  • On June 5 stole £200 of alcohol from Co-op