Richard Burnham, 48, of Renforth Street, Dunston, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of perfume worth £285 from John Lewis in Newcastle. The incident occurred on February 4 last year.
Brazen theft caught on camera
Prosecutor Jake Bowman told Newcastle Magistrates' Court that Burnham first selected a £190 perfume bottle and placed it in his jacket. When challenged by store security, he apologised and returned the item. However, as he left the store, he concealed another bottle under his arm and walked out. The same security guard detained him outside.
Previous criminal record
The court heard Burnham has 138 previous offences, including 46 for theft. He was already under a community order for shoplifting at the time of the offence.
Defence and sentence
Defence lawyer Georgia Snowdon said Burnham suffered a brain injury in 2016 and relied on Universal Credit and PIP. He stole to sell the items for extra money, with no alcohol or drug issues. Magistrates fined him £80, plus £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
