A SERIAL shoplifter has been jailed for eight weeks.

Lauren Jayne Thomas, 35, of no fixed address, stole a number of meat packets valued at £150 from Marks and Spencer in East Street, Taunton, on September 7.

Thomas pleaded guilty to the offence when she appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court.

She was sent to prison, with magistrates deeming the offence serious due to her "pattern of like offending and whilst subject to licence".

She was also ordered to pay a total of £334.58 compensation after two further offences were taken into consideration.

Thomas was not ordered to pay a victim surcharge as magistrates ruled that compensation took precedence.