Serial South Yorkshire shoplifter targeted shops including Iceland, Wilkinson's and Home Bargains

A serial thief who has had a drug problem for decades has narrowly been spared from prison after he struck five times at various stores.
By Jon Cooper
Published 19th Aug 2020, 11:45 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard today, August 17, how Simon Holden, aged 39, of Doncaster Road, East Dene, Rotherham, admitted four thefts and an attempted theft.

Mark Hughes, prosecuting, said: “He was arrested on July 19 after being detained for stealing £44 of meat from Aldi supermarket in Rotherham.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He was charged later that same day and was granted bail pending a hearing on August 27."

A serial shoplifter and drug-addict has been given a suspended prison sentence at Sheffield Magistrates' Court, pictured.A serial shoplifter and drug-addict has been given a suspended prison sentence at Sheffield Magistrates' Court, pictured.
A serial shoplifter and drug-addict has been given a suspended prison sentence at Sheffield Magistrates' Court, pictured.

However, Mr Hughes added after Holden was released on bail he was arrested on August 15 after stealing bottles of fabric softener belonging to Poundstretcher, in Rotherham.

Holden, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the two thefts and admitted stealing £20 of goods from an Iceland store in April, attempting to steal body sprays from a Wilkinson’s store in June, and also admitted stealing washing products from a Home Bargains store in June.

The defendant also admitted breaching a community order by failing to comply with a curfew.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Karen Moxon-Smith, defending, said when Holden runs out of money that he has spent on drugs he starts shoplifting.

District Judge Naomi Redhouse sentenced Holden to 16-weeks of custody suspended for 12-months with a rehabilitation requirement and a nine-month drugs order. He must also pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge.

District Judge Redhouse said Holden has been a drug-addict for decades and she told him if he commits another offence or fails to comply with the suspended sentence he will go to prison.