Shoplifter ordered to pay over £100 after thefts

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, February 24, how James Bannister, 32, of Marsh Lane Crescent, Belper, struck at the Co-op stores on Whitemoor Lane and Strutt Street in October and November, last year.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “The offences were revealed after CCTV was observed.”

Bannister admitted stealing coffee valued at £55.93 from the Whitemoor Lane Co-op and admitted stealing meat from the Strutt Street Co-op.

The court heard how Bannister has just been released from custody for convictions of shop thefts and possessing a class A drug which were offences committed after the Co-op thefts from October and November.

District Judge Andrew Davison ordered Bannister to pay £83.93 in compensation and a £20 victim surcharge.

He explained the Co-op theft matters from October and November could have been dealt with previously when Bannister was given a maximum jail term sentence in November, last year, which could have encompassed the Co-op all the offences.

District Judge Davison told Bannister: “It’s unfortunate these theft matters weren’t admitted previously because they could all have been dealt with in November because you received the maximum sentence and these matters could have been included to your advantage.”