Darlington shoplifter and thief stole meat, butter and booze

Adam Chapman used a bank card he stole from a car to buy goods in a shop and stole butter, fruits, meat and booze from Sainsbury’s while he was effectively homeless.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to a raft of shoplifting offences and fraud when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.

Charlie Thompson, prosecuting, asked for the defendant to pay compensation to Sainsbury’s and the owner of the bank card.

A judge heard how Chapman was currently addressing his alcohol issues in an attempt to turn his life around.

John Clish, mitigating, said: “At the time of these offences he was homeless and very much dependent on alcohol.”

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Chapman, of Kitchener Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from a shop, one count of fraud by false representation and one charge of theft from a motor vehicle between May and July this year.

District Judge Marie Mallon said: “These are serious offences but you have pleaded guilty to them all.

“I’m going to deal with you by imposing a suspended sentence and order compensation.”

Chapman was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £217 to Sainsbury’s and £63.48 to the bank card holder.