A SUSPECTED serial shoplifter who allegedly visited three shops in south Essex despite being banned has appeared in court charged with stealing.

Kyle Sherwin, of Dowland Close, Stanford-le-Hope, was charged with seven counts of shoplifting and seven counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order which banned him from entering three shops in Southend and Stanford-le-Hope.

The offences took place between April 15 and 28, Essex Police said.

He was also charged with failing to provide a specimen when he was arrested on Tuesday, April 30, magistrates in Colchester heard on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old has been remanded into custody and will appear at Basildon Crown Court at a later date.