Man Admits to Stealing Fish Fillets and Handbag, Faces Racially Aggravated Behaviour Charge

Strategic Insights -

Damien Cracknell, 24, has pleaded guilty to stealing fish fillets and a handbag from a Co-op store and John Lewis in Leicester. The incidents occurred seven months apart, with the most recent theft happening on May 22 at a Co-op store in London Road, Stoneygate. Cracknell was arrested and found with a small quantity of cannabis on him. He also admitted to racially abusing a police officer during an arrest in December last year. Cracknell's defence claimed he stole because he was homeless for about three years before getting a rented home a month ago. He stated he used cannabis to help with his ADHD and depression.

Key Takeaways:

  • Damien Cracknell, 24, pleaded guilty to stealing two cod fillets and five salmon fillets worth £31 from a Co-op store on May 22.
  • The theft occurred at the Co-op store in London Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, where Cracknell was apprehended by security and later held by police.
  • Cracknell was also charged with possession of cannabis, having a small quantity of cannabis on him.
  • In November last year, Cracknell stole a £320 handbag from John Lewis in Leicester's Highcross shopping centre.
  • In December last year, Cracknell was arrested for another offence and used a racially offensive term towards an Asian police officer.
  • Cracknell represented himself in court and pleaded guilty to two thefts from shops, possession of cannabis, and one charge of racially aggravated abusive behaviour.
  • The magistrates fined Cracknell £113 and ordered him to pay £320 compensation to John Lewis as well as a £32 victim surcharge.

Statistics:

  • £31: The value of the fish fillets stolen by Cracknell.
  • £320: The value of the handbag stolen from John Lewis.
  • 2: The number of cod fillets stolen by Cracknell.
  • 5: The number of salmon fillets stolen by Cracknell.
  • 1: The number of racially aggravated abusive behaviour charge against Cracknell.
  • 1: The number of possession of cannabis charge against Cracknell.
  • £113: The fine imposed on Cracknell.
  • £320: The compensation ordered to be paid to John Lewis.
  • £32: The victim surcharge imposed on Cracknell.

Sources:

  • Leicester magistrates court
  • undisclosed news source