A MAN has been jailed after stealing 12 cans of beer from a convenience shop.

John McQuire, who has a long history of thefts, stole four cans of Stella Artois and eight cans of Guinness from a shop in February.

The 26-year-old appeared in Colchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and admitted one count of theft.

McQuire, who is currently living in Bakery Place, in Colchester, also admitted missing three appointments with the Probation Service, in March.

Magistrates jailed him for four weeks for the theft and an extra 14-days for the breaches.

The sentences will run consecutively.