Brazen thief jailed after shoplifting spree

A brazen thief who repeatedly targeted stores he was banned from has been jailed.

Craig Johnson was arrested on June 8 following a spate of thefts in Ferryhill the day before.

The 34-year-old was caught on CCTV stealing from the Co-op, a store that had a restraining order against him, as well as causing significant damage to this shopkeeper’s door when challenged trying to make off with a basket full of goods.

But when shown the footage, he outright denied it was him.

Johnson, of no fixed abode, was charged with 11 offences including three shop thefts, an attempted theft, criminal damage, two public order offences, three breaches of his restraining order and breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order.

He was put before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates on June 9 where he pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced to eight months in prison as well as being order to pay £412 in compensation.

His accomplice, Shaun Lee Short, was also charged with four shop thefts and a public order offence after assisting Johnson.

The 38-year-old, of Plawsworth, was dealt with but then committed a further two shop thefts on Thursday, June 12.

The team put him back before the court and he was handed a new community order with 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and an exclusion requirement banning him from entering the Co-op.

Short was also ordered to pay £215 in compensation and court costs.

PC Craig McGuire, who led the investigation, said: “Our team have worked hard to secure charges for these two prolific offenders. 

“Johnson’s behaviour towards the victim in the footage is unacceptable and we will not tolerate such behaviour against hardworking members of the public going about their living.

“Johnson and Short’s offending has a detrimental impact on residents and we will continue to target and place those who commit offences in our community before the courts.”