A THIEF has been banned from entering any retail premises in Bournemouth town centre.

Mitch George Michell has also been barred from entering any Boots, Tesco, Bobby’s, Superdrug and JD Sports store across Dorset.

The 28-year-old, who was jailed last month after being convicted of a series of store thefts, was handed a two-year criminal behaviour order by district judge Stephen Nicholls.

Michell, who is currently behind bars at HMP Winchester, stole from Boots in Commercial Road, Bournemouth, on five occasions in the space of 10 weeks.

He stole sunglasses worth £201 on July 29, while across three incidents in September he stole four shavers with an overall value of £418.97.

His final theft took place on October 6, when he took hair straighteners worth £59.99.

All of these offences were committed in breach of a suspended sentence order made on June 7 for eight shoplifting thefts, two thefts from motor vehicles and an offence of going equipped for theft.

Michell, who is also known as Diego Navarro Belda, was jailed for eight months at a Poole Magistrates’ Court hearing on October 21 and he appeared via video link at the same court five days later for the criminal behaviour order proceedings.

Bournemouth Echo: Mitch George MichellMitch George Michell

Police Constable Fran Cullis, of the Bournemouth Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We recognise the impact repeat offenders such as Mitch Michell have on business when they are regularly targeted.

“We are committed to supporting members of our business community and have worked hard to secure a Criminal Behaviour Order, which we hope will reduce the impact of Mitchell’s offending behaviour in the future.

“We would urge anyone who has any information relating to potential breaches of the order to please report it to us. Contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.pnn.police.uk, email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101.”

The criminal behaviour order, which is a power that replaced the anti-social behaviour order, was made for a period of two years.

Michell must comply with the three prohibitions detailed in the order or he faces being brought back to court.

If you are interested in court and crime news, stay up to date with all our latest updates in our dedicated Facebook group. To find out more and to join click here.