Jailed South Yorkshire shoplifter stole to fund drug habit
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Ian Barr, of St Leonard’s Road, Eastwood, Rotherham, struck at the Spar store on Green Arbour Road, in Thurcroft, Rotherham, a Sheffield Magistrates’ Court hearing heard.
Prosecuting solicitor Alison Goldsmith told the hearing yesterday, how 36-year-old Barr had two bottles of drink and a carrier bag when he failed to pay for goods with a bank card.
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Hide AdMs Goldsmith added: “He said he would go to a cash machine to get cash but he didn’t use it. He was asked what was in the carrier bag at which point he ran out of the store.”
Barr pleaded guilty to the theft from May 12 after the store manager had seen him taking air-fresheners, washing liquid and other cleaning products valued at £50.
He also admitted breaching a suspended prison sentence which had been imposed on April 24 for a theft and for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
Defence solicitor Azwar Shah said jobless Barr, who is on benefits, has an extensive criminal record with a number of theft offences.
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Hide AdHe added: “He has had a long-standing issue with heroin, crack and cocaine and this offence was performed to fund this particular habit.”
District Judge Naomi Redhouse told Barr shop staff have become frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic because they are exposed to risks and he had forced a staff member to endure his offending during a difficult time.
She sentenced him to 56 days of custody and ordered him to pay £50 compensation.