A shoplifter who targeted the same store twice in 48 hours has admitted making off with candles worth more than £560.

Appearing at the city's magistrates' court, Jason King also pleaded guilty to stealing beer, assaulting an emergency worker, and attempting to cause criminal damage to a police van.

King, 50, of The Avenue, Southampton, was remanded on conditional bail until June 12 2025.

The court heard that the defendant stole ten candles valued at £295 from Next at Westquay Shopping Centre on May 26 2024.

He targeted the same shop two days later and walked out with nine candles valued at £265 - again without paying for the goods.

King also attempted to damage a police van at Shakespeare Drive in Southampton on June 18 2024.

Two months later, he stole Stella beer valued at £9.99 from a Lidl store in Southampton. He also assaulted an emergency worker on the same day.