A PROLIFIC thief has escaped jail after his latest stealing spree.
Andrew Burkett walked into Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, (October 13), unclear if he would walk free later that day.
The father-of-three admitted five theft from shop charges when they were put to him by the court clerk.
Mark Hambling, prosecuting, went through each of the thefts that took place in Worcester this year, which included stealing:
- Alcohol, valued at £30, from Aldi on September 3
- Assorted Skin Care products, valued at £268, from Boots on September 4
- Assorted OLAY skincare products, valued at £665, from Boots on September 15
- 18 bottles of 15 Lynx body spray, valued at £54, from Wilko on September 18
- Two electronic toothbrushes, valued at £149.98, from Superdrug on September 20
The prosecutor said the shop thefts had been without any signs of planning, describing how Burkett had put items in his pockets and walked out the store.
Mr Hambling also highlighted that Burkett was in breach of a conditional discharge given to him in June this year also for a theft offence.
Mr Hambling added that, taking everything into account, the prosecution judged that Burkett could expect to go prison.
Mark Turnbull, defending, said he disagreed the offending had crossed the custody threshold.
Mr Turnbull explained Burkett, of St Pauls Hostel, Tallow Hill, committed the offending in a short space of time after his dad had died.
He said the 43-year-old had turned to heroin and funded the addiction through stealing.
"He describes it as his head was messed up," Mr Turnbull said.
"He is not in good health. He is on a methadone script.
"He suffers anxiety and depression.
"He admitted the offences at the police station - he was very frank with police.
"There was nothing sophisticated (about the offending)."
Richard Weatherill, chairman of the magistrates bench, said they had decided the offences were serious enough to send him to prison, but they would suspend his sentence.
On each of the thefts, Burkett was jailed for 12 weeks concurrently suspended for 12 months.
Burkett was ordered to do 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and given a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.
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Mr Weatherill said: "Should you breach any of these conditions, or commit another offence, you can expect to return to court and the suspended sentence may be activated.
"That is likely to happen."
Burkett was also ordered to pay a total of £1,156.98 compensation to the shops.
The amount was added to the £975 Burkett owes the courts from previous offending, being deducted from benefits.
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