A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been given jail time for his latest theft offences. 

Bryn Jones appeared from HMP Hewell, where he is currently in custody, on videolink to Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (February 2). 

Jones, of no fixed abode but previously of Oldbury Road, Worcester, admitted three thefts from a shop when the charges were put to him by the court clerk.

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, went through the offences which included the theft of: 

  • Alcohol and crisps worth a total of £322.44 from Tesco in Millwood Drive, Worcester, on December 12 last year. 
  • Alcohol worth £200 from the same Tesco store on January 3 this year. 
  • Alcohol worth £140 from Sainsbury's in Windermere Drive on January 6 this year. 

The prosecutor said in each offence Jones was caught on CCTV carrying out the thefts and in some had used a fire exit to escape. 

Worcester News: COURT: Bryn Jones appeared to Worcester Magistrates Court on videolinkCOURT: Bryn Jones appeared to Worcester Magistrates Court on videolink (Image: West Mercia Police)

Mr Hambling explained Jones was currently serving a six-month jail sentence "for a number of matters", and his record of previous offences was an aggravating factor they should take into account. 

Gary Harper, defending, said Jones' record of offending showed a gap of no thefts between 2016 and 2022. 

The solicitor said it was because Jones had a job in Devon working in the building trade. 

"He lost the job and came back to Worcestershire," Mr Harper said. 

Worcester News: THEFT: Bryn Jones stole from Tesco, Millwood Drive, WorcesterTHEFT: Bryn Jones stole from Tesco, Millwood Drive, Worcester (Image: Google)

"He had no money, so, unfortunately, resorted to old habits and stole on 10 occasions."

Mr Harper appealed to magistrates not to give Jones more jail time. 

On release in April, Jones planned to take a forklift driving course and get help for his drug issues to become a "productive member of society again" according to his solicitor.

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Sandie Morgan, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Jones he was receiving two weeks jail.

But she told Jones this would not affect his release date as this period would run concurrently with his current sentence. 

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The chairman announced Jones would pay £100 compensation to Sainsbury's and £100 to Tesco. 

There was no award for victim surcharge or court costs due to Jones' limited financial means. 

"Thank you," Jones said to magistrates as he left the video booth of the prison.