Mark Howourth, a 23-year-old from Greystoke Gardens in Low Fell, Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week after admitting to 11 counts of shop theft. The offences occurred between February and May, targeting the same Morrisons and Co-op stores in Gateshead.
Prolific offending while under community order
Howourth was already subject to a community order imposed in October last year for previous shoplifting. He breached that order by failing to attend appointments with the Probation Service. Despite this, he continued to steal, taking carrier bags into stores and filling them with items before leaving without payment.
The stolen goods, valued at £1,335, included laundry products, meat, biscuits, coffee, energy drinks, chocolate, butter, and cheese. Prosecuting, Clare Haswell stated: "The defendant entered Morrisons and the Co-op on several occasions, sometimes with other people, and took a carrier bag and filled it with items and left the store without making payments."
Court proceedings and warrant
Howourth pleaded guilty in May and was bailed for sentencing in June, but he failed to appear. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and police eventually detained him, bringing him before the court in custody.
Defending, Paul Hanratty noted Howourth is now on a methadone script. He said: "There is limited mitigation, other than his guilty plea. His life is somewhat in chaos." The court heard that Howourth has a long criminal record, mainly for violent offences, but his recent offending has been shoplifting.
Judge's final warning
District Judge Kate Meek decided to defer sentence, giving Howourth what she called a "final chance." She said: "I'm bailing you to be back here on September 8 at 2pm. If you commit any further offences or you're not complying with the Probation Service, I will send you to prison. If there are no further offences and you are working with the Probation Service, I will perhaps not send you to prison because there maybe some worth in you not going to prison."
The judge added: "There is a glimmer of hope in you at the moment. I would rather you work with Probation and other drug agencies for some rehabilitation then send you to prison." Howourth was bailed to return to court on September 8.
