Daniel Hope and Megan O'Neil were caught stealing from a Co-op store in Gateshead after a police officer went in to buy an ice lolly during a heatwave.
The thefts
The pair had already targeted the same store twice on July 5, taking coffee and laundry items worth £60. Later that day, O'Neil returned alone and stole meat products while Hope waited outside. On their third visit, they were confronted by store staff and a police officer who had stopped to buy an ice lolly. The goods taken that time were recovered.
Court outcome
At Newcastle Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Clare Haswell detailed the offences. Hope, 39, of Merlin Court, Felling, admitted two counts of shop theft. O'Neil, 34, of Fontwell Drive, Saltwell, admitted three counts. Hope had 62 previous offences, while O'Neil had one. Ben Hurst, defending, said the pair were on Universal Credit and struggling with the cost of living crisis, noting the offences were unsophisticated.
Both received six-month conditional discharges. Hope must pay £30 compensation, £40 costs, and a £26 victim surcharge. O'Neil must pay £105 compensation, plus the same costs and surcharge.
