A THIEF who was released from prison by magistrates was told "This is your last chance". 

Nathan Smith, of Conway Road, Worcester and previously of Bath Road, Worcester, appeared on videolink to Worcester Magistrates Court to be sentenced for a number of thefts from a shop.

Worcester News: COURT: Nathan Smith appeared at Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Nathan Smith appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: West Mercia Police)

The 35-year-old had previously admitted stealing:

 

  • Three boxes of razors, valued at £94, from Tesco
  • Three bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey, valued at £80, from Tesco
  • Two boxes of razors, valued at £60, from Tesco
  • Three boxes of headphones, valued at £60, from Tesco
  • Two bottles of whiskey and one bottle of champagne from Tesco, valued at £123 
  • Champagne and bottle of whiskey, valued at £92, from Tesco
  • Two bottles of gin, valued at £76, from Tesco
  • Two bottles of perfume, valued at £83, from House of Fraser
  • Henry Hoover bags and AU Vodka, valued at £115, from Tesco St Peters Drive
  • Three bottles of Champagne, valued at £120, from Tesco Millwood Drive
  • Henry Hoover, valued at £159, from Tesco St Peters Drive
  • Two Henry Hoovers, valued at £318, from Tesco Millwood Drive

 

The offences were all committed between March 21 and May 7 this year and magistrates heard two were committed by Smith while on court bail.

And the court heard the defendant was taken into custody after his final theft which took place at House of Fraser on May 7 - when a member of staff asked him if he had stolen and Smith confessed he had.

Prosecutor Eleanor Peart said the total amount of items stolen came to a total of more than £1,300. 

Worcester News: THEFT: Smith stole from Tesco Mill Wood DriveTHEFT: Smith stole from Tesco Mill Wood Drive (Image: Newsquest)

The prosecutor said aggravating features were Smith concealed items and the defendant's record of previous convictions which included dishonesty matters. 

Ian Parsons, defending, said: "You will find the issue is drug use - at the age of 18 starting with cannabis then went up to heroin."

The solicitor said Smith had already served four weeks in custody at HMP Hewell adding Smith was now on a methadone script and could be released as there was a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation". 

Worcester News: CASE: Smith's case was heard at Worcester Magistrates CourtCASE: Smith's case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court

After telling Smith he was not being jailed Chris Mitchell, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "This is your last chance. 
"You will serve a long time in prison if you offend again."

 

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Smith was given a 12-month community order which included 30 rehabilitation days and a banning order from Tesco in Warndon and St Peters. 

Smith was told to pay £1,294 compensation to the supermarket, costs of £185 and victim surcharge of £114. 

The £1,593 was added to the nearly £4,000 Smith already owes the courts from past offending, being deduced from his benefits. 

Smith appeared at the court on Tuesday, (June 6).