Persistent Kettering shoplifter jailed for nearly two years
32-year-old targeted same service station repeatedly
A 32-year-old man has been jailed for nearly two years, after repeatedly stealing from the same A14 service station in Kettering, despite receiving a suspended sentence for similar offences earlier this year.
Aiden Sutton, of Highfield Crescent, Kettering, was handed a 45-week suspended sentence at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on 15th September, after admitting nine counts of shop theft. He was also ordered to pay £880 in compensation.
However, Sutton continued offending, targeting the BP Service Station on the A14 nine more times, between 11th September and 4th November, stealing items such as meat, confectionery, and ice cream worth over £900.
On 20th November, Sutton returned to the same court and pleaded guilty to these further charges. Magistrates sentenced him to five weeks in custody for each offence, to run consecutively, alongside activating his previous suspended sentence. In total, Sutton was sentenced to 99 weeks behind bars. He was also ordered to pay £695.47 in compensation.
Neil Cowley from the Northamptonshire Business Crime Partnership said, “Retail crime is in no way a victimless offence – it harms store workers, businesses, and contributes to higher prices for the rest of us.
“Aiden Sutton’s persistent offending has caused untold stress and misery to those businesses he targeted. We hope the lengthy custodial sentence imposed by the courts will provide him with the help and support he clearly needs."
Cowley added, "We also hope this sentence sends a clear message to other persistent offenders that retail crime is taken seriously. We, alongside Northamptonshire Police, will continue to work hard to prevent offences, support stores, and bring those responsible to justice."
Northamptonshire Police supports the national Retail Crime Action Plan. Information about their work can be found online.