(Image: PROVIDED)
A prolific Darlington shoplifter has been jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds’ worth of goods and breaching a suspended sentence imposed just five days earlier.
Jonathan Watson, 39, was arrested on Monday, October 19, after stealing more than £120 worth of meat and laundry products from the Cockerton Co-op.
Police were called to the store after the theft was reported.
Officers stopped the vehicle Watson had boarded as a passenger and arrested him at the scene.
Jonathan Watson. (Image: PROVIDED)
Further enquiries revealed Watson had been responsible for a series of shoplifting offences across the town in recent weeks.
He regularly targeted meat, beer, coffee, butter, Pot Noodles, laundry products, plug-in air fresheners and other household goods.
Watson was charged with four counts of shoplifting and failing to provide a sample for a mandatory drug test after his arrest.
He appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on October 20 and admitted the offences.
The court heard the latest offences breached a suspended sentence imposed five days earlier for similar crimes.
Magistrates activated the suspended sentence and jailed Watson for 24 weeks.
Inspector David Littlefair, of Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said persistent offenders who target local businesses should expect to face court.
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He said: “Persistent offenders like Watson, who repeatedly target local businesses causing financial loss and disruption to our community, should expect to be brought before the courts.
“Despite being given previous opportunities to change his behaviour through a suspended sentence order, Watson chose to continue committing offences, showing a complete disregard for the law and the misery he inflicts on our community.
“Thanks to the work of officers and retail staff in gathering evidence, Watson was identified, arrested, and brought to justice.”