A convicted shoplifter has been banned from a host of Penrith stores for two years.
David Robinson, 29, heard he would face serious consequences should he breach the terms of a criminal behaviour order, which was made at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.
Police lodged an application for an order to prevent Robinson, previously convicted of shoplifting in Penrith, committing further offences — and to protect businesses in the town.
Robinson had been sent a draft copy of the order in advance of the hearing today, and told the court he had no objections to the two main terms.
These prohibit him from visiting any retail premises — including supermarkets — which are affiliated to the Penrith Shopwatch scheme; and from entering residential Arnison Court in the town.
“That’s totally fine. There’s no problem with any of that, said Robinson, who acknowledged that the order was being sought in respect of past crimes.
Prosecutor Peter Kelly had said as he made the application on behalf of police: “It will effectively help prevent that offending. It will hopefully now moderate his behaviour and (that will encourage him to) engage with other members of the community in a way which is acceptable.”
Robinson, of Lea Side, Halton-Lea-Gate, east of Brampton, said he lived with his mother but made visits to Penrith in order to attend appointments with professionals aiming to help him mend his ways. This included probation service staff.
A deputy district judge formally approved the order, which will run for two years.
The judge told Robinson he would still face prosecution for any individual future offences he commits. “But if you breach the criminal behaviour order, the consequences of that are more serious,” said the judge.
The maximum magistrates’ court sentence for breach of an order is six months’ imprisonment.
Neighbourhood inspector for Penrith, Mo Bibby, said after the court hearing: “Criminal behaviour orders can be helpful tools against persistent offenders — in this case, against an individual who is causing significant harm to the local business community.”
Community beat officer for Penrith, Stewart Green, said: “Breaching a CBO brings with it substantial potential penalties and we would urge anyone who witnesses an order being breached to contact the police immediately.”
