Serial offender caught stealing children’s clothes from Next in South Shields
A serial South Tyneside offender caught stealing children’s clothes from a town centre shop.
James Bingham, 48, picked up £91 of children’s clothing from retailer Next’s store in Waterloo Square, central South Shields, and made off, a court heard.
But Bingham, of Newmarket Walk, central South Shields, did not get far before apprehended and the items recovered.
He was hauled into court for his latest crime of theft from a shop, committed on Wednesday, February 25, and pleaded guilty.
Prosecutor Holly Clegg revealed it was Bingham’s 59th conviction, crimes that stem from 165 offences.
Ms Clegg did not reveal to South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court exactly where and when Bingham was detained and arrested.
But she said: “It’s a straightforward shop theft. He entered the store in Waterloo Square and took a number of items and left without paying.
“The goods were recovered. He has 58 previous convictions from 165 offences, with quite a number being theft or kindred.
“He was last before the courts on September 12, for failing to comply with a community order.
“He remains subject to that community order. The crown applies for £85 court costs but no compensation as the goods were recovered.”
Chris Wilson, defending, told magistrates: “At this time he was homeless and had no place to stay and his benefits were stopped.
“He was getting by hand to mouth. There’s no evidence of a lavish lifestyle. The goods were recovered.
“There was no complexity about this offence, and it was not carried out in company with others.
“There is remorse, and he has pleaded guilty today. You may well be minded to give him a conditional discharge.”
Magistrates fined Bingham £80 and ordered him to pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
Support your Shields Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.
With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.