Serial thief went on shoplifting spree in Asda and Tesco just days after release from prison

A man with more than 50 convictions for theft went on a shoplifting spree a week after being released from prison.
The case was dealt with in South Shields at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.The case was dealt with in South Shields at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.
The case was dealt with in South Shields at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

Jordan Martin 24, of Edinburgh Road, Jarrow, targeted two Tesco stores and an Asda in a bid to raise money to repay a drugs debt, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

Martin, who has already been returned to prison to serve the rest of his previous sentence, was given another 12 weeks.

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Paul Anderson, prosecuting, told the court: “He was released from prison on August 22.

“On August 29 he committed three shop thefts.

“He took bottles of spirits from Tesco at Simonside, perfume from Asda, and cosmetics from a different Tesco, this time the one at South Shields.

“The value of the perfume was £95, and the value of the cosmetics was £363.”

He added: “Mr Martin has a poor record taking in 69 offences, including 51 for theft.”

Martin admitted three charges of theft.

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Kate Lewis, defending, said: “He was released from prison with no money, but he still had drugs debt.

“The thefts were his attempt to get money to pay that debt.

“I have to accept his compliance with previous community sentences has been poor.

“He tells me he is off the drugs since leaving prison.”

She added: “I’ve dealt with Mr Martin over the years, and he is looking better than he has done for a long time.

“It is a pity that he finds himself back in prison again.”

Martin was jailed for 12 weeks.

Bench chairman John Lee told Martin: “It seems you are content to go to prison rather than take advantage of the help you’ve been offered.

“We have no choice but to oblige you today.

“Our advice to you is to have a serious think about the way you want to live your life.

“Carry on as you and you will be spending longer and longer in jail.”