A SHOPLIFTER is to be helped to overcome his alcohol problem that fuels his offending.

William Telford, 53, of no fixed abode was caught three times stealing cans of lager in the Winchester area, including at the City Road Co-op and Williams Garage in Otterbourne.

Telford also pleaded guilty to criminal damage of a Vauxhall Corsa belonging to Sally Iffland and threatening Yasemin Ertoprak.

Magistrates in Basingstoke imposed a six-month community order with an alcohol treatment requirement to take part in 15 days of specified activity.

Telford was told to pay £50 compensation to Ms Iffland, £13.36 for the stolen beer and a £150 criminal courts charge.