• This article was amended on August 25, following a request from Defence Barrister Paul Stanley. In the original article, we reported that Mr Stanley had referred to the defendant’s step-father as a ‘criminal’. He has since stated that this is not true and it was said in error.

 

A THIEF whose defence solicitor said 'came from a criminal family' has appeared in court after stealing items from Morrisons and Peacocks.

Corey Taylor-Knowles, of The Foresters YMCA in the Arboretum, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court to be sentenced for four charges of theft from a shop and possession of a controlled drug of class B, cannabis.

Worcester News: COURT: Corey Taylor-KnowlesCOURT: Corey Taylor-Knowles (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Mehree Kamranfar, prosecuting, listed the stolen items that included:

  • Various items, worth £195, from Morrisons, Droitwich, on April 5 .
  • Three packs of razor blades, valued £52.45, from Superdrug in Worcester on April 6.
  • Clothing, worth £201, from Peacocks in Droitwich on June 23.
  • Various hygiene items, valued at £382.04, from Boots in Droitwich, on June 23. 

Ms Kamranfar said, in the Peacock offence, the 23-year-old had walked out with the clothes in a bag, setting off sensors at the door.

"The assistant manager followed him, boxer shorts fell out (the bag)," the prosecutor said.

"She stopped him, asking him to give the clothes back.

"He said 'no chance'."

The prosecutor said Taylor-Knowles had a number of convictions on his record and had previously been given a two-week jail sentence for theft.

Paul Stanley, defending Taylor-Knowles, said: "He is from a criminal family, his father and grandfather (were criminals).

"He has grown up not knowing any better.

"His life has been tragic."

Mr Stanley said Taylor-Knowles was a drug user with a "chaotic lifestyle", but his life had stabilised after moving into YMCA accommodation.

Mr Stanley added: "He is someone who needs support as well as punishment."

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Magistrates handed Taylor-Knowles a 12-month community order, explaining the offence was so serious it required a community penalty.

As part of the order Taylor-Knowles must complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Taylor-Knowles was also fined £100 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114, costs of £185 and compensation of £195 to Morrisons, and £52.45 to Superdrug. 

Taylor-Knowles, who already has an account with the courts for previous offending, with the £646.45 added to this which is being deducted from his benefits.