A RECOVERING drug addict shoplifter has got himself a job and says paying compensation to the Co-op is 'better than going to jail'.

Bryn Jones carried out 10 shop thefts across Co-op stores in Worcester but now has a job that pays £500 per week.

The 38-year-old admitted 10 thefts - all from Co-op shops in Gresham Road, Henwick Road, Bath Road and Ambleside Drive, all of them taking place in January of this year. He appeared before Worcester magistrates on Thursday.

Worcester News:

JOB: Bryn Jones now has a job. Photo: West Mercia Police

 

In total he stole £356 worth of goods including health and beauty products, meat, cheese, alcohol, ready meals, confectionary.

We have previously reported how Jones of Oldbury Road, Worcester, was jailed for several driving offences and possession of cannabis.

Jones was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Worcester Crown Court and was disqualified from driving for two years and five months in June, 2019.

He was convicted of dangerous driving after he rammed one of South Worcester’s police vehicles as officers attempted to detain him. No officers were injured during this incident.

Harris Markou, chairman of the bench, said he had not committed this type of offending for some time and that magistrates were aware of his various drug issues.

"The pleasing part is that we know you're doing something about it. You're trying to get yourself away from the area into new realms and you have managed to get yourself a job and new accommodation and shake off your offending past" said Mr Markou.

He added: "You have turned over a new leaf by obtaining a job. You are receiving good wages for that."

Magistrates fined him £833 for all 10 thefts. They said, had he not pleaded guilty, that fine would have been around £1,300.

"But we have reduced that because you pleaded guilty" he said.

Jones said: "I really appreciate that, thank you."

They ordered him to pay compensation to the Co-op of £356, £135 costs and an £83 victim surcharge. In total the amount he has to pay was therefore calculated at £1,407.

Responding to the sentence, Jones said: "Better than going to prison and losing my job sir."

He agreed to pay off the debt at a rate of £75 per month.