A Blackpool '˜Prolific' shoplifter avoids jail return

A man branded a prolific thief was handed a 16-week suspended jail term by Blackpool Magistrates '“ and warned he was almost returned straight to prison.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th May 2016, 06:00 BST

Brian Smith stole watches and batteries from Aldi

Suspending the sentence for a year, chairman of the Bench Brian Nicholson told Brian Smith : “You must realise how close you were today to going straight back to prison.”

Smith, 44, of Withnell Road, South Shore, admitted four charges of stealing watches and batteries from Aldi.

As well as the suspended sentence, Smith was placed on a curfew until August 9.

He must pay Aldi £191.22 compensation and £80 victims’ surcharge.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said Smith had only just come out of prison and was under supervision by the Probation Service.

“This man is a prolific shop-lifter,” she said.