Serial offender is jailed for 18 weeks after store thefts

A prolific thief has been jailed for 18 weeks after he was caught stealing cans of lager from a supermarket.
Pictured is serial thief Craig Jones, 40, of Castle Hill, Eckington, who was jailed for 18 weeks.Pictured is serial thief Craig Jones, 40, of Castle Hill, Eckington, who was jailed for 18 weeks.
Pictured is serial thief Craig Jones, 40, of Castle Hill, Eckington, who was jailed for 18 weeks.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court recently heard how Craig Jones, 40, formerly of Bridge Street, Killamarsh, had 49 previous theft matters to his name before he stole the cans during two raids at a Co-op store in Eckington.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop told the hearing on April 20: “These shop thefts were committed at the same store in Eckington where he took cans of lager which weren’t recovered.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He told police he went into the store on both occasions and removed the cans and put them down his trousers and he was sorry he had done so.

“He has 49 previous theft matters on his record.”

Jones, now of Castle Hill, Eckington, pleaded guilty to the two theft charges which were committed on December 2 and December 11, last year, and the court also heard how he has failed to comply with a community order.

Defence solicitor Denny Lau said Jones had got himself into difficulties with drugs and alcohol and it is believed he has mental health issues and trouble with his memory.

Mr Lau added that Jones’ sister is trying to help him get off drugs and wants to help him keep appointments and plans are underway for him to live closer to her.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Magistrates identified that Jones has breached two community orders relating to ten previous thefts and they revoked both these orders and noted a persistent failure to comply with requirements.

They sentenced Jones in relation to these ten previous offences and the latest matters involving the theft of the cans of lager worth £5 and considered his overall record.

Jones received an 18 week custodial sentence in his absence and a warrant was issued for him to attend court and the sentence was successfully activated on April 26. Jones must pay an £80 victim surcharge and £5 compensation to the Co-op store.