A PROLIFIC shoplifter who assaulted a police officer has been sent to prison.

Lee Oak, 43, of no fixed abode, has been jailed for a string of 11 shoplifting offences that took place across Salisbury from July 4 to October 19.

Oak's most serious theft offence took place on September 30 when he stole £214.25 worth of alcohol belonging to Tesco in Salisbury.

The 43-year-old was previously caught with a knife before he assaulted PC Trevor William Morgan and damaged two police cars in Tidworth on September 28, 2021.

Salisbury Magistrates sentenced Oak to 12 weeks in prison due to the seriousness of the offences and the totality of his previous record.

Oak, who pleaded guilty to all of the offences, was ordered to pay £100 compensation to PC Morgan at a hearing on Monday, October 23.

This sentencing comes after Oak was imprisoned for four months for stealing and burglary earlier this year.