A man described by police as a "persistent problem" has been banned from areas of Chester city centre.

Stephen Sanderson was handed a four-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Chester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 29 September.

This comes after officers provided evidence of repeated instances of retail crime committed by the 47-year-old.

Under the terms of the order, Sanderson must not enter the area outlined in the map, alongside any premises from which he has already been barred or excluded from, either verbally or in writing.

He must immediately leave any premises when asked to do so by staff, security, accredited official or police.

When entering any retail premises within Cheshire, Sanderson must not place any item within a bag prior to payment being made, unless said item is a basket or trolley under the control of the store.

He must also not conceal any items belonging to the store, which have been selected by him or any third party.

Inspector James Wilson said: "Sanderson has been a persistent problem in Chester city centre, responsible for a range of offences, including retail crime.

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"Officers were able to gather a significant amount of evidence to apply for a CBO which was granted by the courts.

"This excludes him from part of the city centre, as well as making him adhere to other conditions in relation to his conduct inside retail premises across Cheshire.

"Anyone who witnesses Sanderson breaching any of his CBO requirements should report it to Cheshire Police so we can take action."