A 52-year-old man from Limavady has admitted eight counts of theft after stealing goods valued at more than £2,000 from shops in Limavady and Coleraine.

Kevin Gerard Conaghan, of Glenview Drive, pleaded guilty at Ballymena Magistrates Court. The stolen items included vacuum cleaners, perfume, razors, a £50 bottle of champagne and other alcohol.

None of the goods was recovered.

The court heard that Conaghan has 301 previous convictions and had previously been the subject of six arrest warrants, 21 breaches of bail and nine breaches of suspended sentences.

District Judge Nigel Broderick refused bail, describing the risk of further offending as high.

Conaghan's defence barrister told the court that his client is an alcoholic who steals to fund his addiction and feels ashamed when he considers his behaviour.

Conaghan was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned to Limavady Magistrates Court, sitting in Coleraine, on 26 August for a pre-sentence report.