A THIEF stole hundreds of pounds worth of scratch cards and tobacco from convenience stores.

James Vincent targeted Co-op stores in Goring, Worthing, and Littlehampton during a crime spree.

In total he stole lottery cards worth more than £800 between February and June last year.

The 40-year-old was also caught driving twice while banned in a Vauxhall Vectra in November and December last year.

Worthing Magistrates’ Court heard how he raided the Co-op in Goring on February 23.

During his spate of thefts he also stole from Sainsbury’s in Littlehampton, Tesco in Worthing, a Shell petrol station in Uckfield, a Spar shop in Worthing, Budgens in Hassocks, a BP petrol station in Hove, and a Premier convenience store in Shoreham.

Vincent admitted ten thefts of scratchcards and tobacco in total.

Magistrate Paul Dalby sentenced him to a six-month suspended prison sentence.

Vincent, of Mansfield Road, Worthing, was told to clean up his act with treatment for drug dependency for nine months with the Change, Grow, Live scheme.

He must also complete 30 rehabilitation sessions and pay a £128 surcharge and £85 costs.

Vincent was banned from driving again for a further 28 months.