Reading Magistrates' Court: Notorious thief STILL preying on Newbury stores
A NOTORIOUS shoplifter with around 50 convictions and a Criminal Behaviour Order is still filling his pockets at the expense of others.
Years ago the prolific thief, now aged 34 and living in Northway, Newbury, was excused from paying court costs because of his "limited means" – despite boasting he could afford heroin and cannabis each week.
Andrew Gainey, pictured in 2016, has repeatedly clashed with Reading magistrates, once telling them brazenly, after being convicted for burglary: "I'm not going to pay court costs.
Andrew Gainey, pictured in 2016, has repeatedly clashed with Reading magistrates, once telling them brazenly, after being convicted for burglary: "I'm not going to pay court costs.
"Why should I? This isn’t my fault.
"Anyway I can’t afford them.”
Just last year he again yelled at the court, insisting he would not go to "f****** rehab.
He has also defied a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from Newbury Retail Park.
On Thursday, April 18, he was convicted of his latest offending.
Specifically, he admitted stealing a £25 gift set from Next in Newbury on Sunday, March 13, and stealing gift sets together worth £195 from Boots in Newbury on the same date.
Magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports on Mr Gainey, who was represented by Mike Davis.
He was meanwhile granted bail on condition he does not enter any retail outlets in Bartholoew Street, Northbrook Street, London Road and Station Road in Newbury unless for a medical appointment.
