Matthew Hodson, a 39-year-old from Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison after stealing more than £500 worth of alcohol from Asda. He appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 28, where he pleaded guilty to four counts of shoplifting and four counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order (CBO).
The Offences
The court heard that Hodson had previously appeared at the same court on Tuesday, July 14, where he was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for one year, and handed a five-year CBO for offences in Northwich, including shoplifting. Just five days later, on Sunday, July 19, he travelled to Asda in Ellesmere Port and stole more than £190 worth of alcohol. He also breached his CBO by concealing items in a bag while in the store.
Hodson went on to commit three similar offences at the same store, twice on Monday, July 20 and finally on Friday, July 24. On each occasion he stole large quantities of alcohol and breached his CBO by concealing items in bags. The total value of the items stolen during the four incidents was £516.50.
Police Response
Following the sentencing, Police Constable Jenna Tapley, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing unit, said: "Hodson is a prolific offender and despite multiple interventions by both the police and the courts to curb his behaviour, he continues to offend."
She added: "During his latest crime spree, he thought that he’d be able to continue his shoplifting spree by moving from Northwich to Ellesmere Port. However, he seriously underestimated the dedication of the team here at Cheshire Police and he’s now behind bars. I hope his sentencing provides reassurance to local businesses, demonstrating that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle shoplifting in Ellesmere Port."
