A shoplifter has been jailed for eight months after she stole items from two shops and assaulted a man in Basingstoke.

Donna Kemp, 40, of no fixed abode, stole food worth £34.14 from Marks & Spencer in Chineham on 9 June.

During the incident, she assaulted a man inside the store, causing him a split lip and cuts on his finger. She also threatened him with the bottom half of a metal can.

On 12 June, Kemp stole food and drink worth £5 from One Stop on Sherborne Road.

She was arrested and later charged with:

• Theft from a shop x 2
• Assault a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm
• Threaten a person with an offensive weapon in a public place

Kemp pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for eight months at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 4 July.

Basingstoke Inspector, Charlie Ilderton, said: “Donna Kemp is a prolific offender, and we know her actions have caused a huge impact on our local businesses, shop workers and community.

“Our officers take all reports of shoplifting and assault extremely seriously and I hope this result reassures the community that we will do all we can to put offenders before the courts.”

If you are a shop owner or staff member, please continue to report any shopliftings to us. With your information, we can take action, including arresting and charging suspects and convicting offenders at court.

You can do this by calling 101, or by reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. If a crime is in progress, please call 999.