Benefit problems drove dad to theft

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday how Andrew McCreadie, 36, of Didcot Close, Grangewood, Chesterfield, stole £105.22 of detergent from One Stop stores.

Becky Allsop, prosecuting said his partner and child had gone off and he put the washing tablets in a pushchair. Mrs Allsop said McCreadie was spotted on CCTV and told police his benefits had been stopped and he had received £20 from the sale of the goods.

McCreadie who had a conditional discharge for shop theft and has previous convictions for dishonesty pleaded guilty to the latest theft which happened in November last year.

Defence solicitor Julie Page said McCreadie is doing well to overcome drug problems and he wants to lead a normal life.

Magistrates sentenced him to 15 weeks of custody suspended for 12 months with supervision.