A County Durham man has been handed suspended sentences and ordered to pay compensations for multiple shoplifting offences.
Terry Bunn, 40, of Seventh Street, Horden, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, where he admitted to four counts of theft committed in October and November of this year.
The court heard that Bunn targeted several stores in Horden and Murton, stealing items including razors, confectionery, steak, and laundry products.
County Durham thief stole from Sainsbury's and Co-op:
The first offence occurred on October 7, 2024, when Bunn stole toiletries of unknown value from The Co-op in Murton Colliery.
For this offence, he was sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £26 in compensation.
The next day, October 8, he returned to The Co-operative Stores in Murton and stole laundry products valued at £104.86.
He received another two-week suspended sentence for this offence and was ordered to pay compensation of £104.86.
On October 29, Bunn stole confectionery items and steaks of unknown value from Sainsbury’s in Horden Colliery.
He received a further two-week suspended sentence and was ordered to pay £98 in compensation.
His final offence occurred on November 3, when he targeted the same Sainsbury’s store, stealing razors and chocolate bars worth £57.
For this, he was handed another two-week suspended sentence and ordered to pay £57 in compensation.
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The magistrates noted that Bunn’s offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.
However, the court opted to suspend the prison terms for 12 months, citing a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and updates provided by probation services.
Despite this, the court acknowledged Bunn’s prolific offending, referencing his repeated disregard for previous warnings and court orders.
Compensation to the affected stores, totalling £285.86, was prioritised.
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