Shoplifter is tracked down by his vehicle registration number

A shoplifter was tracked down from the registration number on his vehicle after he struck at a Matlock supermarket.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Harry Manson, 25, had been shopping at the Co-operative store in the town when he fled with a box of baby milk which he had not paid for, according to a Chesterfield magistrates’ court hearing.

Prosecuting solicitor Neil Hollett told the hearing on Tuesday, August 23: “He entered the store and paid for selected items and was holding a box of baby milk formula and was asked if he had paid for that item and he said he had. He then left the store without having paid for the baby milk and a quick staff stock check revealed this item was missing but as Manson left in a vehicle his registration was taken and reported to the police and he was tracked down.”

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Manson, of Granville Road, Leeds, was interviewed by officers at York police station and refused to comment but after he was bailed to reappear in Derbyshire at Buxton police station he confessed.

He told police he had gone to the store and took items including the baby milk but he did not have enough money so he took the baby milk without paying for it.

Manson, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the theft after the incident on March 19.

The defendant said: “I was very stupid and it will never happen again. I didn’t have the money and should have put some of the things back. I had been in the area because I was visiting friends and family. I am from a Gipsy community and I visit people who stop all over.”

Magistrates sentenced Manson to a 12 month conditional discharge. He must pay £85 costs, a £15 victim surcharge and £8.49 in compensation.