Thief is given a chance

A prolific shoplifter with drug problems and 36 convictions has been given a chance by magistrates to sort himself out after he has been co-operating with the probation service.
Pictured is b&m bargains, at Ravenside Retail Park, on Markham Road, Chesterfield.Pictured is b&m bargains, at Ravenside Retail Park, on Markham Road, Chesterfield.
Pictured is b&m bargains, at Ravenside Retail Park, on Markham Road, Chesterfield.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Friday, June 6, how Shaun Wragsdale, 34, of Poplar Drive, New Tupton, Chesterfield, was caught by police after stealing a steam iron from b&m bargains, at Ravenside Retail Park, and two pairs of shorts from Next.

Prosecuting solicitor Robert Carr said: “Staff saw Wragsdale and were suspicious because they know him as a shoplifter. CCTV spotted Wragsdale enter b&m and he was tracked as he walked out.

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“They were suspicious he had committed an offence and people were trying to locate him with regards to another matter and they found him on Baden Powell Road. He tried to run but was caught and said he was sorry for running. The iron and shorts were recovered.”

Wragsdale pleaded guilty to the two counts of theft which happened on May 13. The court heard he had just received a community order in April for another shop theft.

Defence solicitor Steve Brint said: “He has 36 convictions and 77 offences going back to 1988 and all bar one are for dishonesty and failing to comply with a community order. His shoplifting has been down to addiction to illicit substances and he has been in hospital because of drug abuse.”

But Mr Brint explained Wragsdale has co-operated with a tough community order that included 11 negative drug tests and a full attendance for appointments. He added that he had committed the thefts because he owed money to drug dealers and he was facing physical harm and his benefits had been curtailed.

Magistrates praised Wragsdale’s co-operation. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and must pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

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