A PROLIFIC thief who binged on cigarettes, alcohol and scratch cards with bank cards snatched from wallets and purses has been spared jail.

Matthew Hapgood, of Ruttle Close, Cholsey, had already admitted two counts of shoplifting, one of theft from a motor vehicle, one of theft by finding as well as four counts of fraud by false representation – using stolen cards to buy goods.

Oxford Crown Court heard at his sentencing hearing on Monday how the 37-year old had carried out the crimewave across south Oxfordshire between August 14 and October 14 last year.

Detailing the case prosecutor Kellie Enever said that the first offence, carried out in August, saw Hapgood and another man snatch a purse from a handbag which had been left inside a parked car.

He then went to Didcot where he bought various items including tobacco and alcohol before helping himself to a McDonald’s meal.

The following month Hapgood stole children’s clothing valued at £284 from the Next store at Didcot’s Orchard Centre.

Finally in October he stole a wallet left near an opened ground floor window and used the bank cards to again buy tobacco and scratch cards using the contactless facility.

The court heard that Hapgood – who has a long history of theft offences – had quickly admitted carrying out the spree and had even pointed himself out to officers on CCTV.

His history of offending had also been motivated by misuse of alcohol and drugs, the court heard.

Sentencing, Judge Ian Pringle QC said that while he had considered imposing a prison sentence he would stay his hand on account of his recent progress made with substance misuse treatment group Turning Point.

Hapgood was made subject to a community order for 12 months to include 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay a victim surcharge.