Sheffield shoplifter struck at Boots to get Christmas gifts for his kids

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on December 31 how Frazer Burgess, 49, of Middle Hay View, Gleadless, stole the gift sets from the store at Heeley Retail Park, Sheffield, on December 22.

Prosecuting solicitor Robert Coyne said Burgess, who pleaded guilty to the theft, was seen taking the gift sets and he was brought back and the products were recovered.

Janice Young, defending, said Burgess has not been working since he suffered an injury and he has lost his income and he had stolen the gift sets as presents for his children.

Mrs Young added: “It is not the way he wanted to give them a gift but through desperation he has stolen these gift sets.”

She added that he suffers with depression.

Magistrates sentenced Burgess to a 12-month conditional discharge. He was ordered to pay £40 costs and a £21 victim surcharge.