A TRAVELLING shoplifter has been banned from McArthur Glen Designer Outlet for a year after he was caught shoplifting there.

John Paul Sweeney, 29, told York magistrates: "It was Christmas. I was trying to get presents for people."

Jessica Lister, prosecuting, said the Newcastle man stole fragrances worth £278 from the Fragrance Shop, a £76 jacket from LaCoste and a £49 Hugo Boss shirt on December 8.

But security staff were watching him via CCTV and he was stopped before he could leave the area.

Sweeney, of Hunter House, Greenford road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft.

He was banned from the centre for 12 months, ordered to do 50 hours' unpaid work and 10 rehabilitative activity days and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and an £85 statutory surcharge.