A prolific thief caught with a haul of stolen cosmetics a day after receiving a suspended sentence for shoplifting has been jailed 

Neil Ganjel will now spend Christmas behind bars after two PCSO’s stopped him on Osborne Terrace in Jesmond, while he was carrying two bags filled with serums, creams, and various toiletries on November 3.

When recognised by the officers, Ganjel was quizzed where had got the items from but had been unable to provide proof of purchase or name the shops he’d bought them from.

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The 33-year-old was arrested and taken into custody where his record revealed he had been given a suspended sentence by magistrates the previous day for 17 separate thefts from stores including Boots, Spar and Tesco.

During that spate, which had taken place between October 4 and November 2, Ganjel pocketed high-value cosmetics and football cards totalling more than £1,900.

He was charged with shoplifting and appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on November 3, where he was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

Then, after being caught with the stolen toiletries, Ganjel, of Shaftoe Street, Newcastle, was once again charged and on November 5 reappeared at the same court, where he was jailed for 20 weeks for handling stolen goods.

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Speaking after the sentencing, Neighbourhood Sergeant Lesley Morton said: “Ganjel is a repeat thief who has continued to offend without remorse, or even an attempt to change his behaviour.

“His crime sprees do nothing except leave hard-working businesses out of pocket and I am pleased he has been jailed so he can no longer cause disruption in our communities.

“This was a great spot by our PCSO’s whose in depth knowledge of their beat served them well and caused them to stop and quiz a well-known offender who was carrying two very full bags of brand new products with no proof of purchase.

“Their efforts, coupled with the quick reporting and cooperation of our local shops has seen a prolific offender jailed.

“As a force we will continue to tackle this type of criminality by pursuing offenders and working with our partners and local businesses to prevent offences from being able to be carried out in the first place.”

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