A MAN went on a huge thieving spree around Barry hitting seven shops, 22 times, stealing an estimated £1,500 of goods.

William Larking, 53, stole food, drink and sweets, make up, cleaning products and a four man dome tent and kettle BBQ.

He hit stores including Co-op, Post Office, Sainsburys, Home Bargains, Heron Food Stores and Boots.

The retailer that got hit the most was the One-Stop, which has three stores in Barry, hit ten times in a three-month period.

The retailer that received the most compensation for the crimes was Boots – Larking having to pay the company £500.

In one instance, Larking stole steaks and drink products from Co-op, but only had to pay back £10.

He stole £100 of goods from Sainsburys, but was made to pay back only £50.

In total Larking, of Newbourne Place, Belmont Street, Barry, will pay just over £1,400 of compensation.

His crimes took place between April and July 2024.

He pleaded guilty to one set of the crimes on July 19 and the other set on July 26 at Cardiff Magistrates Court.

At the court, on August 8, Larking was given an 18 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

He was also made to take up drug rehabilitation for 12 months.