(Image: North Yorkshire Police)
A serial shoplifter given a suspended prison sentence despite probation officers warning that he was "unmanageable" went on a crime spree lasting months.
York man Luke Ellerby, 45, was jailed for a total of 62 weeks and given an 18-month driving ban for 21 offences including burglary.
The 45-year old, of Bramham Road, Chapelfields, was told at York Magistrates' Court as he was senteced that he had a "flagrant disregard for court orders” and had committed crimes during a suspended sentence. He was also told he had shown a disregard for people and property.
On August 4, 2025, Ellerby burgled Copmanthorpe Chippy, stealing two charity boxes and a till drawer with cash inside. He pleaded guilty.
In a series of thefts, Ellerby stole a Cube Stereo e-bike worth £3,100 from White Rose Close on September 18, 2025.
Probation officers told the court they considered Ellerby "unmanageable" meaning they could not stop him offending.
But on January 30 this year, he began a string of shoplifting offences when he stole laundry pods worth £129.48 from B&M, Foss Islands Road. He stole cleaning products from Co-op, Beagle Ridge Drive, on February 5, and alcohol worth £20 there the next day.
On March 11, he stole £262.50 of goods from Morrisons Daily, in Moorcroft Road.
On June 8, 2026, Ellerby took 15 bottles of detergent worth £37.35 from Heron Foods, Front Street, Acomb, returning later to steal a further 14 bottles worth £35 on June 12.
On June 11, he stole cleaning products worth £55.50 and fresh meats worth £100 from Co-op, Beckfield Lane.
On the same day at Heron Foods, he took nine bottles of detergent and seven boxes of protein bars valued at £106.50.
On June 22 he stole clothing worth £567 from JD Sports, York, and on June 24 Lynx and Dove products worth £104.95 from Co-op, York Road.
Ellerby’s offences continued on June 27 with the theft of household items valued at £117.70 from Co-op, Regent Buildings.
In July 2026, offences included six bottles of detergent from Co-op, York Road, on July 7; food from Heron Foods on July 14; two bottles of wine from Co-op, York Road, on July 17; and alcohol and washing items worth £43.95 from Co-op, York Road, on July 16.
He stole two Hugo Boss shirts worth £180 from Browns, Daveygate, on June 30.
Ellerby was also convicted of driving while disqualified and without insurance in a Tesco car park, Seacroft Avenue, Leeds, on August 5, 2025.
Ellerby pleaded guilty to all the thefts and burglary, and was convicted at trial of the motoring offences.