Prisoner on licence's shoplifting spree

Three raids on same store

A CONVICT on early release from prison went on a shoplifting spree.

Henry James was out on licence when he conducted three separate raids on the same Thatcham store, Newbury magistrates heard on Thursday, December 17.

Louise Attrill, prosecuting, said that each time the 29-year-old, of Aldershot Lane, Baughurst, was identified from CCTV footage.

Mr James admitted stealing food items, together worth £300, from Waitrose on May 9, May 25 and June 13.

He has 21 previous convictions, the court heard, and is currently supervised by probation officers following his early prison release.

A probation officer told the court that Mr James is being prescribed the heroin subsitute methadone for his addiction problems.

Bernard Crick, defending, said his client was a father of one who owns a landscaping business and was trying to rebuild his life.

Magistrates did not send Mr James back to prison but ordered him to pay £300 compensation to Waitrose.

In addition he was made subject to a community order with rehabilitation requirement and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £150 criminal courts charge.