Man Sentenced For Shoplifting And Weapon Offences In St Leonards

A man has been jailed for shoplifting and weapon offences in St Leonards.

Thomas Hyde, 30, of no fixed address, appeared before Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Monday January 16 and pleaded guilty to three counts of theft, going equipped for a theft and being in possession of a bladed article.

He was sentenced to a total of 15 months imprisonment.

Hyde was already on a nine-month suspended sentence. He was sentenced to six months custody on the new offences to run consecutively to this.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs, £187 victim surcharge and £204 compensation.

The court heard that on Monday 12 December last year, Hyde went into Sainsbury’s in John Macadam way, St Leonards, and picked up a bottle of Jack Daniels and a packet of Nicorette patches worth £38 and left the store without paying.

A few hours later, he returned to the same store and picked up two boxes of vodka, each box containing twelve bottles worth £216, and left the store and made no attempt to pay for the items.

It also heard that on Saturday January 14, Hyde went into Asda in Battle Road, St Leonards, and picked up various items including alcohol and food worth £40.38 and concealed them within a bag.

He passed all the pay points making no attempt to pay for the items and was detained at the exit by security staff.

Hyde was subsequently arrested for shoplifting. He was also found in possession of a knife and was arrested for this too.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said:

“This is another great result for Sussex Police and sends a strong message to all prolific offenders operating across our towns and villages that they should not expect to get away with any crime.

"Our shops are the backbone of our community and staff work hard to make sure customers are provided with what they need.

"I hope this result gives further confidence to local residents and demonstrates that Sussex Police take these crimes very seriously.”