Man sentenced for Skipton shoplifting spree (From Craven Herald)

Man sentenced for Skipton shoplifting spree

11:42am Thursday 23rd August 2012 in News

A former prisoner who went on a shoplifting spree in Skipton was given a community sentence by magistrates.

Mark Shaw, 39, was discovered parked in the town hall car park on May 31, with several bottles of perfume, sunglasses and two pairs of shoes in the car, Skipton magistrates heard on Friday.

Police were alerted after a community support officer had received reports of a shoplifter in Rackhams via the town’s Shopwatch scheme, the court was told.

Shaw, who admitted thefts from Rackhams, Boots, Stead and Simpson and Specsavers, had 16 previous convictions for a total of 57 offences, including a 12-year prison sentence, the court heard.

In mitigation, John Mewies said Shaw, of Lingfield View, Leeds, had a severe mental illness for which he was taking an anti-psychotic drug.

He said he had struggled to cope with life outside prison after such a long time in custody. He added on May 31 he had been driven to Skipton by two friends and when left alone had gone shoplifting.

When discovered by police, he had admitted the thefts, which amounted to £128 from Rackhams, £251 from Boots, £38 from Stead and Simpson and £250 from Specsavers. He was also wearing one of the two pairs of shoes he had stolen.

Shaw was given a six-month community order with a low-level activity requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £18 compensation to Stead and Simpson for the shoes he had worn and were not able to be returned.