A PROLIFIC shoplifter who made the lives of Northwich business owners ‘a misery’ has been jailed after visiting a supermarket he was banned from entering.

Steven Owen, of Victoria House in Church Road, was originally made the subject of a five-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) at Chester Magistrates’ Court on May 23.

As part of the order, the 53-year-old was banned from entering several stores in both Northwich and Winsford, as well as being given a ban on being drunk in public places and asking people for money.

But on Friday (August 5), Owen was hauled back to court for breaching the order and entering the Asda store in Northwich on August 2.

He was jailed for 10 weeks as a result of his previous convictions and persistent breaches of the CBO.

Magistrates took his guilty plea into account when imposing the sentence.

Owen made the lives of business owners and residents in Northwich and Winsford ‘a misery’ according to Cheshire Police, who welcomed the CBO when it was first imposed on him.

Sergeant Andrew Cooper previously said: “Steven Owen’s behaviour has had a significant impact on residents and business in the mid-Cheshire area for a number of years.

“His repeated shoplifting and anti-social behaviour was making life a misery for those who were subject to his illegal activities.

"The local beat team listened to local businesses and residents and began collating evidence which would bring the CBO application before the court to help curb his behaviour.

“This result is an important step in getting Owen to change his behaviour and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour on our streets.

“If Owen breaches his order he will be back before the courts and could face time behind bars.”