A beer thief has appeared in court after bringing his tally of offences to a staggering 80.

Ryan Kitchen, of High Street, Herne Bay, notched up his latest two convictions last week after admitting two thefts of lager from the Co-op store in Mortimer Street.

The 25-year-old alcoholic - whose theft count stands at 39 - pleaded guilty to swiping the beer on April 16 and April 29.

On the first occasion he was seen leaving the store with a crate of Stella Artois.

Police found him hiding in a toilet at a nearby house and he was arrested. He was released on bail, but less than two weeks later went back to the same shop and stole two crates of Budweiser.

Officers found him drinking the beer with friends outside a house in Bank Street.

He was arrested again and remanded in custody to appear before Canterbury magistrates on Thursday (May 6).

Defending, David Nelson said Kitchen was "undeterred" by prison, having previously served time behind bars.

He said: "If Mr Kitchen is jailed he will go to prison, serve his sentence, spending 22 hours out of every 24 in his cell, before coming back to Herne Bay to pick up the pieces.

"He will get back in the same old cycle, which will see him back at Canterbury police station for stealing alcohol again."

Mr Nelson added Kitchen had taken steps to address his drinking problem. Sentencing was adjourned for reports.