A THIEF who failed to learn from a court sentencing was back before magistrates - who slapped another 40 hours on his community service order.

In March Thurrock Nub News reported on the sentencing of James Prentice, 38, of King Edward Frive, Grays, who pleaded guilty to a series of thefts of designer clothes from the House of Fraser at Lakeside.

Those thefts took place in October last year and he was given 100 hours of upaid community service to carry out. The total cost of the goods stolen was £2,619 and he was ordered to pay compensation of £1,786.

Some of the thefts took place while he was already on bail.

On 13 May Prentice was back before Basildon magistrates, where he admitted a string of thefts from Tesco in Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays, and also an assault.

The magistrates added 40 hours to his community service and ordered he attend a rehabilitation activity.