A “threatening” shoplifter who terrorised Co-op staff has been jailed and banned from the City of London. 

Kamal Hussein, 43, of Bloxhall Road in Leyton, was convicted of nine counts of theft between April and June this year.

Five of the counts relate to thefts from Boots at the One New Change shopping centre near St Paul’s Cathedral. 

The other four counts relate to thefts from a Co-op on Cheapside. 

Det Ch Insp Andy Spooner at the City of London Police, said: “Kamal Hussein caused significant alarm and distress to retail staff in the City with his threatening and intimidating behaviour and serious offending.” 

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court on July 18, Hussein was sentenced to 19 weeks in prison. 

He was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from entering the City of London for five years. 

If he breaches the CBO he could face further prison time. 

Det Ch Insp Spooner said: “He showed no signs in stopping his criminal behaviour. His actions warranted a CBO to protect members of the public and shop staff and deter further reoffending. 

“We will continue use all our resources in keeping businesses and members of the public safe and bring criminals to justice.”