Emsley is barred from city shops

David Emsley, 37, was described in court as "probably the best-known shoplifter in the city".

The ban - imposed by Leicester Magistrates - comes under new laws aimed at curbing persistent thieves.

Emsley faces an automatic prison sentence if he breaks the ban.

The heroin addict was caught shoplifting at least 17 times last year.

Sergeant Shane O'Neill, of Leicestershire Police's retail crime unit, said: "This is the first order of its kind in the city and I've no doubt the shops will be really pleased to get a break from him.

"He is banned from every shop in the city, even down to newsagents, within the inner ring road."

An assistant at a shop often targeted by Emsley said: "He was probably the best-known shoplifter in the city.