Thief in holiday agony

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard how David Turner, 45, of Knowlestone House, Matlock Green, Matlock, had stolen two bottles of booze from Asda in Chesterfield while subject to a suspended prison sentence for a previous offence of stealing three steaks. He also admitted failing to attend a court appointment.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “A security guard was looking down an aisle at the store and saw the defendant tugging at something and he was trying to take the security tag off a bottle and was placing it inside his trousers.

“The guard took hold of his arm and the defendant was detained and two bottles of spirits were removed from his trousers.”

The court heard how Turner has committed over 100 dishonesty offences including stealing the steaks for which he had been given a 16 week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months and he also failed to attend a related court appointment.

Defence solicitor Steve Brint said despite pending court matters Turner had a £2,000 family holiday booked and was going to fly to Turkey, on July 3, as police brought him to justice.

Turner pleaded guilty to the theft from Asda and was found to have breached a suspended sentence and failed to attend a court appointment.

Mr Brint explained Turner had tried to attend court but his car broke down and he arrived after it had shut and his situation was aggravated by committing a new offence when he was between benefit payments.

He said: “He had attended but his vehicle broke down and when he arrived the court was shut. He also had a family holiday booked costing £2,000 and was flying to Turkey and family got on the plane and he stayed here. His situation was aggravated by a new offence.”