A PERSISTENT thief has avoided an even stricter penalty. 

As we previously reported Thomas Allen, 39, of Cherwell Court, Worcester, but who has recently relocated to Malvern, recently admitted thefts from Tesco, Wilko and Marks & Spencer in Worcester. 

Allen was given a one-year community order in his court appearance last month. 

As part of the order he was banned from entering any part of Worcester City Centre including the retail outlets the defendant stole from during the one-year order. 

Worcester News: THIEF: Thomas AllenTHIEF: Thomas Allen (Image: West Mercia Police)

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On Monday, (June 19), an application for Allen to receive a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) was set to be considered.

But magistrates heard the application had been withdrawn. 

Allen, who did not attend the hearing, was represented by Gary Harper while Sarah Hurd prosecuted.