Newcastle-under-Lyme shoplifter jailed after being caught with knife outside supermarket
Man banned from shops across north Staffordshire for three years following offences
A 37-year-old man from Newcastle-under-Lyme has been jailed after being found carrying a large kitchen knife and stealing items during multiple trips to a local supermarket.
Michael Haddon was sentenced to eight months in prison at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on 17th October. He pleaded guilty to having a knife in a public place and three counts of theft from a shop.
Police said Haddon was approached by a Police Community Support Officer outside Morrisons on Goose Street in September, after he acted aggressively towards a security guard.
When questioned, Haddon denied taking anything and allowed the officer to search his bag, where an eight-inch kitchen knife was found. He was arrested at the scene.
Reviewing CCTV footage at the store revealed that Haddon had entered the shop three times in one day, taking items worth about £70 in total.
Haddon was charged and later admitted the offences in court. He was also given a criminal behaviour order lasting three years, banning him from entering several stores across north Staffordshire. If he breaks this order, he could face further prison time or fines.
Police say criminal behaviour orders are used to help stop frequent shoplifting and support rehabilitation.
PC Heather Bolam, from the Newcastle-under-Lyme local policing team, said: “We’re continuing to use all of the tools at our disposal to tackle burglary, theft and robbery across Staffordshire, and Haddon’s sentencing is another example of that.
“We use CBOs regularly across the county in order to combat re-offending and manage those persistently committing shoplifting offences. They help us address the root cause of offending and help rehabilitate those responsible through positive action and intervention.
“It’s one of the many tools we’re using to problem solve in Staffordshire, making sure we do everything possible to address the main issues affecting residents and businesses in our local community.”