Sheffield serial thief struck at Co-op three times in two days

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on January 8 how Phillip Blythen, 39, of Upperthorpe, Sheffield, struck at the Co-op, on Chapel Street, Woodhouse, Sheffield, twice on November 26 and once on November 27.

He admitted the thefts and pleaded guilty to an assault by beating on a former partner from July and a breach of a conditional discharge from June and failing to surrender to court.

Simon Gwynne, defending, said Blythen attended the probation service on the wrong day because he had been at an emplyment induction day.

Blythen also failed to attend court because he feared custody over Christmas, according to Mr Gwynne.

Mr Gwynne added that Blythen’s resumption of offending had come when he had lost employment and he had become involved with drugs again but he is seeking support.

Magistrates adjourned the case until January 31 to consider a probation report.