Nottinghamshire thief jailed after targeting same shop 7 times and causing 'upset and inconvenience'

He stole hundreds of pounds worth of food, drink, chocolate and toilet rolls from a store

A Nottinghamshire thief has been jailed after stealing from the same shop on seven occasions. John Evans stole hundreds of pounds worth of food, drink, chocolate and toilet rolls from a store in St Peter’s Retail Park, Mansfield in September.

The 34-year-old, who has previous convictions for shoplifting, was identified by CCTV footage and arrested last week. When interviewed by officers he repeatedly claimed that the man in various pieces of CCTV footage was in fact somebody else.

During an appearance at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 3, he pleaded guilty to seven counts of shop theft and was jailed for 18 weeks. Evans, of Babworth Court, was also ordered to pay compensation.

The sentence comes as officers in Mansfield continue a targeted crackdown on shop thieves. Nottinghamshire Police said reports of the offence have fallen by more than 40 per cent since the initiative was launched.

PC Kevin Marshall said: “Evans stole hundreds of pounds worth of items from the same shop and caused considerable upset and inconvenience to staff. Even when confronted by CCTV footage of his offending, he denied responsibility and claimed the offences had been committed by somebody who merely looked like him.

“Ultimately, he decided not to test that idea in court and has now been jailed. I hope he now uses his time in custody to address the reasons behind his offending."