A DRUG addict burglar stole a student’s bike while he had a McDonald’s then went on a shoplifting spree, taking designer goods including a Hugo Boss tracksuit.

Joshua Philpott was jailed after he targeted several shops in Worcester including JD Sports, House of Fraser, TK Maxx, the Co-op and Marks and Spencer during a shoplifting spree for designer goods and booze.

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The 26-year-old of no fixed abode was told by Judge James Burbidge QC, sitting at Worcester Crown Court, he had a public duty to jail him as Philpott was in breach of both a suspended sentence and a community order at the time.

Philpott, who appeared over videolink from HMP Hewell, admitted eight thefts.

Amiee Parkes, prosecuting, said a student had locked his bike at the rack outside NatWest in Worcester city centre while he went into McDonald’s at around noon on September 23.

When he returned both the bike and the lock were gone. 

On September 28, Philpott entered JD Sports and stole two tracksuits worth £305, pursued by a member of staff. 

The defendant threw his bike and the stolen goods, which were recovered, on the ground and ran off in the direction of The Shambles.

On October 1, Philpott was in House of Fraser where he stole a Hugo Boss tracksuit top and bottoms valued at £218.

Interviewed by police on October 3, Philpott denied stealing the bike and was bailed to attend Worcester Magistrates Court. 

There he was given one condition - to comply with an electronically monitored curfew. 

“That was breached a number of times” said Miss Parkes. 

The next set of shoplifting offences began at TK Maxx on November 2 where he stole more than £46 of fragrances but a member of staff was able to stop him and the goods were recovered.

He returned to same store on November 4. The defendant selected three fragrances worth £29.99, concealed them in a Primark bag, and tried to leave the store.

Philpott was challenged and a bag taken from him by staff.

The following day Philpott entered TK Maxx for a third time, selected two fragrances, ‘concealed them in his coat and left without making any payment’.

Philpott entered the Co-op in Ombersley Road, Worcester at around 4pm on November 11, stealing five bottles of spirits valued at more than £90.

He returned just two and a half hours later and attempted to steal two bottles of miniature vodka valued at £7. 

Also on November 11 Philpott attempted to steal a duvet and throw valued at £84 from Marks and Spencer in Worcester High Street. However, Philpott was followed up the escalator as he headed towards the High Street exit and was challenged by a staff member.

The goods were recovered. Philpott has four previous convictions for 12 offences.
Jason Aris, defending, said his client now had a methadone prescription and had been doing ‘some promising work while he has been remanded in custody’.

“He’s thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour” said Mr Aris.

Judge Burbidge jailed Philpott for 16 months, including two months activated from the suspended sentence.