Serial thieves who repeatedly targeted a Boots store in Sheffield have been locked-up

Sheffield Crown Court heard how Darren Hastings, of Callow Drive, Gleadless, Sheffield, and Jason Pease, of Errington Avenue, Arbourthorne, Sheffield, stole hundreds of pounds of goods from the Boots store at Heeley Retail Park, on Chesterfield Road.

Judge Graham Reeds QC told the defendants: “This was planned and targeted theft on a commercial scale committed by the two of you working as a team.”

Hastings and Pease, both aged 46, pleaded guilty to five shop thefts from the Boots store and they also admitted a theft from the Next store, on The Moor, in Sheffield.

Louise Gallagher, prosecuting, said that the offences were committed between October and November and involved over £3,000 worth of stolen goods.

The court heard staff at Boots had become familiar with the two defendants and one manager stated that the thefts had a detrimental effect on the employees who had felt intimidated by Hastings and Pease.

The manager added that it reached a point where Hastings and Pease would walk into the store with face coverings but the defendants would still be recognised.

Hastings, who has 37 previous convictions, also pleaded guilty to a further theft from the Boots store on May 8, 2019.

Pease, who has 33 previous convictions, and Hastings also admitted possessing a bladed article after they had both been found with lock knives on May 8, 2019.

Both also admitted breaching a suspended prison sentence which had previously been imposed for theft.

Richard Adams, defending, said Hastings had suffered a troubled childhood he has had problems with class A drugs for many years.

He added Hastings has also suffered relationship breakdowns and he has lost friends to the same drug difficulties.

Joy Merriam, defending, said Pease is also in the grip of a chaotic drug-addiction which is linked to his offending.

Judge Graham Reeds QC sentenced Hastings to three-years and two-months of custody and he sentenced Pease to three-years and eight-months of custody.