Serial Blyth thief avoids jail after targeting shops 10 times in two months

A serial thief with a tendency to steal meat and fabric softener targeted shops 10 times in two months.

Christian Oliver was already awaiting sentence for the first eight thefts, which occurred at Boyes, in Blyth, when he made-off with three legs of lamb from Farm Foods and steaks from Morrisons, both also in the town. A court heard that the 26-year-old stole the goods, mainly fabric softener and meat, in order to fund his cannabis addiction.

The crook, of Waterloo Road, in Blyth, appeared in the dock in custody this week to plead guilty to the Farm Foods shop theft, having already pleaded guilty to the eight other shop thefts at a previous hearing. He also asked for the theft from Morrisons to be taken into consideration.

Rehana Haque, prosecuting at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court, said: “The manager at Boyes was made aware of a series of shop thefts between November 2 and December 3 last year by the same defendant.

“On the first occasion, the defendant stole razor blades, worth £14.99.” The court heard that, on a further seven occasions Oliver stole fabric softener from the shop and, finally, £29.99-worth of razors. In total, the goods were worth £239.98.

Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter

Having been arrested and then pleaded guilty to those offences, Oliver was on bail awaiting sentence when he stole £56.97-worth of legs of lamb from Farm Foods on January 2 this year. He also took the steaks from Morrisons.

James Rickerby, defending, said Oliver wanted to “turn his life around” and was determined not to appear before the court again. Mr Rickerby added: “He accepts his wrongdoing – that’s reflected in his early guilty plea.

“He’s still a young man, only 26. Over his offending history, he was homeless and stole to fund his cannabis addiction. He had a difficult upbringing as a child.”

Magistrates gave Oliver an 18-month community order. He must also pay a total of £310.95

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/serial-blyth-thief-avoids-jail-30726372