Desperate serial thief with life-threatening booze problems has been jailed

A booze-plagued serial thief who struck six times has been sentenced to 12 weeks of custody.
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Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, July 17, how Raymond Barry Skelly, 39, of Mersey Bank Road, Hadfield, Glossop, stole meat, wine and goods from Marks and Spencer, Iceland and Bargain Booze in Glossop.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “He made admissions when he was interviewed by police that times were hard and he was stealing to eat.

“He went through all the CCTV and admitted these offences.

Pictured is Raymond Barry Skelly, 39, of Mersey Bank Road, Glossop, who has been jailed for 12 weeks after he admitted committing six shop thefts.Pictured is Raymond Barry Skelly, 39, of Mersey Bank Road, Glossop, who has been jailed for 12 weeks after he admitted committing six shop thefts.
Pictured is Raymond Barry Skelly, 39, of Mersey Bank Road, Glossop, who has been jailed for 12 weeks after he admitted committing six shop thefts.
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“He was apologetic for his actions and stated he had an appointment with a mental health worker.”

Skelly, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to committing the six thefts between June 30 and July 14 after stealing from Marks and Spencer four times and from Bargain Booze and from Iceland.

Defence solicitor Rob Sowter said alcohol has ruined Skelly’s life after he had been a self-employed plasterer and had a relationship but he has since lost everything.

But Mr Sowter added that Skelly has been seeking help to address his alcohol and anxiety issues.

Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.
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District Judge Andrew Davison, who described Skelly’s criminal record as dreadful, warned him that if he keeps drinking his days will be numbered.

He told Skelly: “I am certain you will be offending within days because of the amount you are drinking which is life-threatening and I am not prepared to take the risk, for the public, of you offending from shops.”

District Judge Davison sentenced Skelly to 12 weeks of custody.

Skelly was also ordered to pay £205.50 in compensation.