Blackburn drug addict stole alcohol and chocolates

Shaun Clark, 32, was subject to a criminal behaviour order for previous offending, which banned him from entering certain retailers in the town.

Preston Crown Court heard how on October 9 at around 6.30pm, Clark entered the Lidl store in Whalley Banks, a store not covered by his order.

Prosecuting, Bernice Campbell said he tried to take alcohol out of the store but was recognised by the store manager and a security guard.

Lidl, Whalley Banks, Blackburn (Image: Google Maps)

He tried to escape with the alcohol and ended up grabbing a woman’s arm. The manager also came out of the store and was spat at by Clark.

Two days later, Clark entered the Marks & Spencer store in King William Street and tried to steal alcohol worth £19. He was stopped by security staff on route.

The store was covered by his criminal behaviour order, putting him in breach.

On November 6, Clark entered the Morrisons store in Blackburn and concealed four bottles of Jack Daniels worth £112. He left the store without paying.

Marks & Spencer, King William Street, Blackburn (Image: Google Maps)

Five days later, he returned and picked up a number of tubs of Celebrations, again failing to pay.

This store was also covered by the behaviour order.

Mitigating for Clark, Neil Howard said: “Clark is clearly entering these locations in desperation, trying to feed his drug habit by selling these items on.

“He was already banned from all these shops before the order came into place. It’s clear in his panic after being confronted he tried to leave through the entrance door. That slows him down and prompts staff to intervene.

“He does make full admissions and he is apologetic to staff. Some items are recovered at the scene.

Morrisons, Salford, Blackburn (Image: Google Maps)

“He hangs his head in shame. He knows this day has been coming for some time.”

Recorder Philip Grundy described Clark’s offending has “relentless shoplifting and breaches of criminal behaviour orders going back many, many years.”

He continued: “You have an appalling criminal record. You have been appearing in court multiple times, particularly over the last 10 years.

“You have been given chance after chance after chance. The probation service has been there for you. You have failed to take their opportunities.

"The behaviour order was there for a purpose. You failed to pay any notice to it.”

Recorder Grundy sentenced Clark, whose current address was given as HMP Liverpool, to 22 months in prison.