A thief who stole £200 worth of steaks from Marks and Spencer told officers "I've nicked the steaks" when he was stopped. John Muir, 27, of The Brooms, Ouston, County Durham, has been given a 12-month community order after pleading guilty to two counts of shop theft.
Two thefts in two days
The court heard that Muir first stole £272 worth of diffusers from Next in Sunderland on August 15 this year. The following day, he left Marks and Spencer in Gateshead without paying for 16 packs of steaks worth £200.
Rehana Haque, prosecuting at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court, said Muir was captured on CCTV stealing the diffusers. A witness moved towards him and attempted to challenge him, but the defendant said "I'm not f***** giving you this bag". Officers attended and stopped the defendant, and he said to them "I will be honest with you, I've nicked the steaks".
Previous record and defence
The court heard that Muir had 32 offences on his record, mainly for theft. Michael Gibson, defending, said Muir was formerly a tradesman who worked on building sites but had got in with the wrong crowd and started using drugs.
Mr Gibson added: "He started stealing to fund it. His mother has since rang him and said he could move back in with her and he's still living there now."
Muir was given a 12-month community order and must pay Next £272 compensation.
