A PROLIFIC thief who stole items from Wilko and Superdrug has been handed a community order. 

Thomas Allen admitted four charges of theft from a shop when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, (November 8).

Alinah Iqbal, prosecuting, went through the thefts the 38-year-old carried out this year.

Worcester News: THIEF: Thomas AllenTHIEF: Thomas Allen (Image: West Mercia Police)

 

Magistrates heard: 

  • On August 18 Allen stole washing products valued at £25.50 belonging to Wilko
  • On August 20 he stole washing products, valued at £50, belonging to Wilko
  • On August 21 he stole washing products,  valued at £36, belonging to Wilko 
  • On September 13 he stole two cutlery sets, valued at £44,  belonging to Wilko
  • On October 1 he stole three bespoke fragrance bottle, valued at £30, from Superdrug

The prosecutor said, in the thefts, the 38-year-old had simply taken items, without offering payment, and walked out the store. 

She said Allen had also breached a conditional discharge through the stealing which had been given to him for stealing chocolates from Co-op. 

Miss Iqbal added the crime was aggravated by Allen's 45 previous convictions.

 

Worcester News: THIEF: Allen carried out a stealing spree at WilkoTHIEF: Allen carried out a stealing spree at Wilko (Image: Google)

Mark Turnbull, defending, said Allen was a drug addict who had spent time homeless, but who was currently living in more stable accomodation in St Paul's Hostel in Worcester. 

He said items were sold to raise money for drugs, after his additction had got out of control, but he was now back on a methodone script. 

Mr Turnbull added: "He attends a church twice a week. 

"He is trying to have more purpose to his life."

Philip Newton, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Allen they were dealing with him by giving him a one-year community order. 

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The order requires Allen to complete the order which includes a requirement to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days. 

Allen was also ordered to pay total compensation of £185. 

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We have previously reported how Allen has both physical and mental health problems and is on a range of medications because of kidney failure.

In 2020 we reported that he wielded a machete and screamed 'I'll cut off your heads!' in Worcester because he believed someone was sleeping with his mum.

On that occassion Allen, who was residing in Cranham Drive at the time, was given a community order for possession of the large knife, narrowly avoiding jail.