A man banned from all Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores in England and Wales has admitted yet more shoplifting offences.
Stephen Durkin, 45, of Fort Street in Sandown, admitted 5 counts of shop theft when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier today (Friday).
Durkin also admitted 3 counts of breaching court bail, committed on 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th October by entering banned shops across the Island.
Prosecutor, Serena Edwards, said that the shop thefts, committed earlier this month, totalled more than £814.
Four of the five offences were from Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Court heard how Durkin is currently banned from all Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores in England and Wales.
Defending, Nick Muir, told court that Durkin was a heroin addict who was “desperate” to get clean. He added that Durkin believed his methadone subscription was a little too low and that he “says he will not reoffend.”
Court heard how Durkin, who has more than 30 convictions on his record, is due before the court again on 30th October when he is due to be sentenced on separate matters.
Magistrates agreed with the submissions of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and remanded Durkin in custody.
Addressing Durkin, presiding magistrate David Wilson said:
“You clearly have a disregard for court orders and bail conditions.
Your previous record and character is probably one of the worst we have seen in this court.
There are no conditions we can put in place to stop you offending.”
He will next appear at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on 30th October.
