A prolific thief was back to shoplifting less than 24 hours after being handed a suspended sentence. Daniel Chapman, 28, has 111 offences on his record, which spans from 2012 to 2026. He was given a chance to avoid prison in July when he was convicted of shoplifting, but the next day he stole again.
Caught on CCTV in Home Bargains
Magistrates heard that Chapman walked into Home Bargains in Byker and put tubes of toothpaste worth £19.92 down his trousers before leaving without paying. CCTV captured the incident. Chapman, of Wilfred Street in Byker, pleaded guilty to one count of shop theft.
Chike Anieto, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said Chapman had been given a suspended sentence on July 7 this year. He added: "The following day, on July 8, the defendant has gone into Home Bargains and taken tubes of toothpaste from the display and put them down his trousers. He then left the store without making payment."
Probation compliance and defence
The court heard that since the theft, Chapman had been working with the Probation Service and complying with his suspended sentence. John Kirkham, defending, said: "After being given this order, the following day he went into a store and got toothpaste. The explanation was he didn't have the money to pay for it. He can't explain what went through his head."
Sentence and compensation
Magistrates gave Chapman a six-month conditional discharge and added an extra month to his existing suspended sentence. He was also ordered to pay £19.92 in compensation.
