A SERIAL thief was caught shoplifting at the same Rowley Regis store twice within a fortnight, a court heard.

Martin Bill pinched goods worth £23 from the Spar shop, Harvest Road on July 22 and returned on August 3 taking groceries valued at £85.

He was recognised by police from CCTV images taken from inside the premises.

Bill, of Cole Street, Netherton, admitted two charges of theft and was given a conditional discharge for a year and ordered to pay £209 in compensation and costs.

Mohammed Bassi, defending, said Bill had a "prolific" criminal record but added: "He now has a three-week old baby with his partner and this new found responsibility has changed his life."