Cash-strapped thief warned he faces prison if he commits another offence

A poverty-stricken thief has been warned that if he commits another offence he can expect to go to prison.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, July 12, how Wayne Stuart Thackray, 27, of Melling Close, Chesterfield, stole food, meat and lager from three supermarkets and a service station during a two-month period.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “Thackray was initially identified as having stolen from Birdholme service station, in Chesterfield, on May 10, and then at Tesco, at Clay Cross, and Morrison’s, at Staveley, on the same day, on May 20.

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“He made full admissions to these offences and was apologetic but the property was not recovered.”

The court also heard that Thackray committed a fourth theft while he was on bail by stealing an eight-pack of lager and a pie from the Co-op, at Hasland, in Chesterfield, on June 6.

Thackray told police that his benefits had been cut and he could not afford to eat and he had stolen items to sell on and he had eaten the pie.

The defendant, who has previous convictions including a shop theft, pleaded guilty to the latest four shop thefts.

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He also admitted breaching a suspended custodial sentence order for a previous assault by committing the four thefts during the period of the suspension.

Thackray also admitted failing to answer to his bail on July 7.

Defence solicitor Denny Lau said: “He’s aware of the serious nature of the proceedings and has been advised there could be custody.”

Mr Lau added that Thackray has learning difficulties and is dependent on benefits and has struggled with his girlfriend to pay rent, gas and electric bills.

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Thackray also breached his bail by failing to attend court on July 7 because he had fallen off a ladder window-cleaning and had not been able to get a medical sick note.

Magistrates extended Thackray’s current suspended sentence by a further two months and sentenced him to a 12 month community order with rehabilitation and a financial management and a Thinking Skills Programme.

He was also ordered to pay £124 compensation.

Magistrates told Thackray that if he commits another offence he will face a custodial sentence.