Tesco, Wilko and M&S thief warned he go to jail if he reoffends

Thomas Allen was banned from Worcester city centre and told he must not re-offend again this year or he risked going to prison. 

The 39-year-old, who had a care-of address as Cherwell Court, Worcester but who has recently relocated to Malvern, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (May 11).

Eleanor Peart, prosecuting, said Allen went into Wilko in High Street between April 1 and April 4 stealing saucepans worth £146.

THIEF: Thomas Allen (Image: West Mercia Police)

On April 3 the defendant stole washing products, valued at £34.50, from Tesco in Worcester. 

And on April 5 Allen stole jumpers, valued at £52.50, from Marks & Spencer in High Street.

Miss Peart said, in the Tesco theft, the washing products were concealed by Allen hiding them in his coat.

And the prosecutor added CCTV had proved Allen's crimes. 

In police interview Allen told police he had stolen to purchase heroin, magistrates heard.

Miss Peart added Allen's offence was aggravated by his 37 previous convictions - his most recent offences having been for shoplifting and handling stolen goods.

Allen admitted three charges of theft from a shop during the hearing.

THEFT: Allen stole saucepans from Wilko in High Street (Image: Newsquest)

Mark Turnbull, defending, said: "There was no sophistication about these offences at all."

The solicitor said Allen had an "entrenched" long-standing heroin addiction and the defendant had not told the police the "whole truth" after arrest.

Mr Turnbull explained that those higher up the drug dealing chain had contacted Allen. 

"He was coming under pressure to reimburse them," Mr Turnbull said. 

"He tried to resist that."

The solicitor said at one point Allen had been hospitalised due to his resistance. 

"Mr Allen relocated to Malvern essentially to stay out of Worcester," the solicitor added.

The court heard Allen had been on two community orders when he committed the offences, a probation service representative describing his engagement with them as "sporadic".

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After lengthy deliberations chairman of the magistrates bench Kevin Lloyd-Wright told Allen his two orders would be revoked, resentencing him to a one-year community order. 

As part of the order Allen must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Allen was also excluded from entering any part of Worcester City Centre including the retail outlets the defendant stole from. 

It was explained the only exceptions to this were to attend probation service appointments or to visit Kitson Pharmacy.

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The chairman warned Allen, if he reoffended or breached his community order, he risked being sent to custody. 

Allen was also ordered to pay £233 compensation split between the three stores.