A MUM and son have been banned from visiting Cumbria after teaming up to steal more than £1,000 worth of alcohol from Booths stores in the south of the county.
Dawn King and Thomas David Meher visited three separate supermarkets on three different dates in mid-October, travelling from their Lancashire home in her Motability scheme car during a shoplifting spree described by a judge as “persistent and consistent”.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how Meher, 40, stashed some loot – which included expensive malt whisky and champagne – in his trousers, while his 56-year-old mother hid stolen goods in her handbag. The pair struck at stores in Windermere (once) and twice at both Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale. They were caught in the act on CCTV, and each later admitted five theft charges.
They later spoke of stealing to order in a desperate bid to raise money and treat of a sick dog.
In court today (MON), Meher was jailed for 20 months having also admitted a further two thefts – committed alone – from Cumbrian Booths stores in December. He had been banned for life in March, 2017, from visiting any company premises due to persistent offending.
His mother had a 16-month jail term suspended for two years. She must complete a three-month night-time curfew and rehabilitation. “These were considered, planned and targeted thefts,” Judge Peter Davies told the pair, both of Waterloo Close, Blackburn.
Both mother and son were banned from visiting Cumbria – other than to travel though the county – for five years.
