AN ELLESMERE Port shoplifter’s crime was ‘desperate and not professional’ in stealing £19 worth of food and drink, a court was told.
Peter Murray, whose address was given as Princes Drive in Mold, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, March 11.
He stole goods to the value of £19.23, belonging to Ellesmere Port Service Station in Jacks Wood Avenue, on January 17 this year.
Prosecutor Charlotte Brookes said that police were called to the service station after the defendant was seen at around 11.50am entering the store before stealing items.
She added that he entered the store with a female as they ‘acted as part of a team’.
He added that managers at the service station used the CCTV and saw that he stole the items and police arrested him.
He gave a no comment interview and has 15 previous offences including shoplifting.
Miss Brookes added that his offending was aggravated because of his previous record and that he was on a suspended sentence.
Chris Hunt, defending, immediately rebuffed claims that Murray was ‘working as a team’ with the unnamed female, stating that the offence did not match the description.
He said: “He wasn’t working as part of a team – you might wonder what sort of team can get away with £19 from a garage.”
He added that Murray ‘was on the last week of his probation order’ and added that it was a low-value item.
Mr Hunt said: “He has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
“This is not professional shoplifting – this is an offence of desperation as the items were food and drink.
“He’s living in a tent in the back garden of a man he’s just found out is his real father.”
Probation confirmed to the court that Murray’s community order is now complete.
Magistrates fined him £120 plus ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £48 as well as compensation of £19.23 to the service station.
