A prolific shoplifter who passed 100 thefts when stealing meat from two stores during his latest criminal spree, has been jailed.
Whitehaven resident Laurence Wilson, 35, has said he will do his shopping in neighbouring Workington in future after being banned from a Spar store in his home town having been previous barred from a host of other outlets.
Wilson had been prohibited from entering all commercial premises affiliated to Whitehaven’s Shopwatch scheme for three years under the terms of a criminal behaviour order imposed by a court in November 2021.
That had been requested by police keen to keep a close eye on Wilson and prevent further reoffending.
But Wilson, who has 99 previous thefts on his criminal record, returned to illegal activity earlier this year.
He snatched steaks with a total value of £91 from the Hensingham Spar on February 5 and 11. He also stole five meat joints valued at £40 from Whitehaven’s Iceland store on February 23, and £100-worth of meat during a return visit on March 4.
Appearing at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court, Wilson admitted four shop thefts and also three breaches of the order — two connected to his stealing.
Prosecutor Peter Kelly said latest offending was neither complicated nor sophisticated. He said: “It is simply repetition of offences by the defendant while subject to an order designed to prevent him behaving in such a way and also attending retail premises in particular geographical area.”
Sean Harkin, defending, said Wilson was motivated to engage with probation to stop his criminal offending and would welcome any help that is offered.
But magistrates jailed Wilson for a total of 10 months. They also added Hensingham’s Spar shop to the long list of premises which he is prohibited from entering as part of an order which continues to run.
