Renowned Slatyford thief tried to steal £670 of goods in Tesco trolley dash
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveA renowned thief who was jailed earlier in the year for breaking into a shop was back up to his old tricks when he was caught trying to steal goods from Tesco.
As reported by ChronicleLive at the time, Stephen Rose was locked up for a total of 12 months in February after he forced his way into Drinks Express, in Benwell, through the ceiling and stole a till. It was just weeks after he'd previously targeted the same shop and helped himself to £600 cash and £500-worth of cigarettes.
The career crook was released from prison but, not long after, tried to steal £670-worth of goods from Tesco by way of a trolley dash. However, the attempt was unsuccessful after staff spotted what he was doing and grabbed the trolley off him as he tried to escape, a court heard.
Rose, currently of Waterbeach Place, in Slatyford, but formerly of Cowgate, was arrested after he went on to steal on three more occasions, twice from Asda and once from B&Q, making off with meat, detergent, razor blades and a power tool. Now, Rose has been given a 12-month community order, with 60 hours of unpaid work, after he pleaded guilty to one count of shop theft. He also asked for the three other thefts to be taken into consideration.
Glenda Beck, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said Rose entered Tesco Express at around 4.30pm on August 27 this year and was immediately spotted by a store manager. Mrs Beck continued: "The defendant was in the store with a trolley full of goods.
"He was approached as he left the store and brought back inside and asked for proof of payment. CCTV was reviewed, which showed the defendant going around the store selecting goods to the value of £671.28. The defendant made no attempt to pay or interact with staff."
The court heard that Rose also targeted the Asda store, in Benwell, twice on August 30 and B&Q on November 1. John Kirkham, defending, said Rose had pleaded guilty.
Mr Kirkham added: "In February this year, Mr Rose was put in custody for a non-dwelling burglary. He has been in prison then come out. He's lost his accommodation and spent a number of weeks sofa-surfing or on the streets."
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