A PROLIFIC shoplifter from Worcester who stole Ben and Jerry's ice cream is now free.

Jacob Telford of Maple Avenue, Worcester had been remanded in custody ahead of his sentence hearing after being convicted in his absence of a series of city shop thefts, all from different Co-op stores in the city, including stealing Ben and Jerry's.

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The 22-year-old was convicted of theft of items of value unknown from the Co-op in Gresham Road, Worcester on February 8 this year: theft of meat and Ben and Jerry's to the value of £25 from the Co-Op in Ambleside Drive, Warndon, Worcester on February 22 this year; theft of meat products of value unknown from the Co-op in Lichfield Avenue on March 24 this year.

All matters were proved in the defendant's absence on August 13 this year.

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A community order was made at a hearing held at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Monday, September 27.

This order stipulates that Telford must comply with a drug rehabilitation requirement by October 26 next year.

The requirement involves him having treatment for drug dependency by, or under the direction of, the nominated practitioner at the nominated establishment as a non-resident for six months.

Telford must also complete rehabilitation activity requirement days. He must comply with any instructions of the responsible officer to attend appointments (with the responsible officer or someone else nominated by them), or participate in any activity as required by the responsible officer up to a maximum of 15 days.