OLIVER Caulfield admitted 12 counts of theft from Chard shops when he appeared in court yesterday (Wednesday).

The 45-year-old, of Brutton Way, Chard, was arrested on Wednesday, July 31, after being spotted by neighbourhood officers while on foot patrol.

He was charged with a dozen counts of theft, taking items including spirits and joints of meat in offences which happened in June and July.

On Wednesday, at Taunton Magistrates’ Court, Caulfield admitted all of the offences.

He was granted court bail, with conditions not to go to two supermarkets in Chard, pending a sentencing hearing at the same court on October 28.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Karen Pattison said: “The neighbourhood policing team is working with store staff to bring thieves to justice and stop a crime that affects us all.”