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Theft

Shoplifters Jailed for £600 Theft from Morrisons

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Two shoplifters, Mark Valentine, 38, and Lee Costella, 42, have been jailed for their role in stealing almost £600 of goods from a Morrisons store in Castletown. The thefts, which took place over three days, have led the store to consider installing extra security and has left staff fearing for their safety. Valentine was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison for four counts of theft, while Costella's sentencing has been adjourned to October 21.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mark Valentine and Lee Costella stole almost £600 of goods from a Morrisons store in Castletown over three days, with Valentine committing four counts of theft and Costella three counts.
  • Valentine has a history of 56 theft offences, while Costella has 17 thefts on his record.
  • The thefts have led the store to consider installing extra security and has left staff fearing for their safety.
  • Valentine pleaded guilty to four counts of theft and was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison for each offence, to run concurrently.
  • Costella pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and one of possession of a corrosive substance in a public place, and his sentencing will be decided at a later date.
  • Both defendants have a history of addiction, with Valentine said to be stealing to live and Costella stating that crack cocaine is his issue.
  • The store manager has considered additional security measures, including CCTV and alarms, to prevent future thefts.

Statistics:

  • £600: The total value of goods stolen by Valentine and Costella over three days.
  • 56: Valentine's number of previous theft offences.
  • 17: Costella's number of previous theft offences.
  • 24 weeks: Valentine's prison sentence for each of the four counts of theft.
  • £100: The value of stock stolen alone by Valentine on August 16.

Sources:

  • South Tyneside Magistrates' Court
  • PA Wire (Image credit: Ian West)
  • Prosecutor Lauren Fisher
  • Morrisons (Business impact statement)
  • Robin Ford (Valentine's defence solicitor)
  • David Forrester (Costella's defence solicitor)

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