Robin Lunn caught stealing from Monkee Business, Crowngate

Robin Lunn was back at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday (November 11) admitting his latest crime of stealing. 

Sumreen Afsar, prosecuting, said the prolific thief had entered Monkee Business in Crowngate Shopping Centre at 12.45pm on October 26, with the shop assistant watching him as they became suspicious of the defendant. 

COURT: Robin Lunn appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: West Mercia Police)

Mrs Afsar said Lunn had picked up a book, put it on the counter asking the assistant to look after it and he would return.

Later he walked out not returning to pay for the book. 

After checking CCTV the assistant realised Lunn had crouched down, picked up two t-shirts, and walked out without paying.

After being shown the CCTV police identified Lunn leading to his arrest.

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Mrs Afsar said there had been a degree of planning in the crime, with an attempt to distract the shop assistant.

Mrs Afsar added: "The defendant's previous convictions show he has 174 shop thefts - 14 offences of shop theft this year alone."

John Rogers, defending, said Lunn had a "persistent history of offending" which had been linked to being addicted to heroin.

THEFT: Robin Lunn stole from Monkee Business (Image: Newsquest)

"Jail hasn't worked for him," Mr Rogers said.

Mr Rogers said Lunn had been getting more intervention recently, being diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar and as a kleptomaniac.

Katie Bolton, MAGGS day centre's intervention support worker, told the court she was currently working with Lunn. 

She said: "He is not stealing to fund drug use now, he is stealing as a coping strategy.

"Robin really wants to change his life and I want to help."

Lunn, who is currently living in Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster, told magistrates: "I really want to get better. 

"I want to be a valuable member of society."

RETURN: Familiar face Robin Lunn returned to Worcester Magistrates Court

Sentencing him Michelle Edwards, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "It would have been custody today.

"But with all the work you are doing, the help you are getting, it seems to be going well for you."

Lunn was given a six-month conditional discharge, and told to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £26. 

Magistrates agreed the total, £161, could be paid at a rate of £20 a month. 

The chairman added: "All the best to you", as said told Lunn he could leave the courtroom.

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