Serial shoplifter who struck at Sheffield Ann Summers store spared jail

A serial shoplifter who has been suffering with ill health and drug problems has been spared from prison and given a chance to turn his life around.
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Ian Curtis Popo, age 56, admitted committng five counts of theft from various shops in Sheffield when he appeared at a Sheffield Magistrates’ Court hearing held at Sheffield Crown Court on December 4.

Popo, who is living at a Salvation Army hostel, on Charter Row, Sheffield, struck at an Anne Summers store, a Boots, a Holland and Barrett shop and twice at a JD Sports store between March and November.

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The court also heard Popo had been subject to a community order which had been imposed for six thefts which District Judge Naomi Redhouse opted to revoke so she could re-sentence Popo on all matters including an offence of failing to attend court.

Sheffield Crown Court where some Sheffield Magistrates' Court cases have recently been heldSheffield Crown Court where some Sheffield Magistrates' Court cases have recently been held
Sheffield Crown Court where some Sheffield Magistrates' Court cases have recently been held

She told him: “I don’t think there is any point in telling you this is your last chance.”

District Judge Redhouse warned Popo, who has been struggling with drugs, that his body is not strong enough to take any more and he has got to change the way he lives.

Andrew Dalrymple, defending, said: “He has not been well and this last year has passed in a blur of pain and hospital treatment.”

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District Judge Redhouse sentenced Popo to a 12 month community order with a Rehabilitation Activty Requirement, a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement and an eight-week curfew. He must also pay a £90 victim surcharge.

Popo told the judge: “You make me proud to be British.”