MANSFIELD: Shoplifter is spared jail

Julian John Baker (27) of Teal Avenue, Mansfield appeared before Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 22nd May charged with shop theft.

The court was told that Baker had entered the Asda store, in Forest Town on 17th May and been stopped by security as he tried to make off with computer games valued at £300.11.

The court was told that Baker had been to the store the night before to test security and had been captured on CCTV.

Defence lawyers said that Baker had committed the offence because his benefit had been stopped.

Baker has a recent conviction for criminal damage and the shop theft had breached a conditional discharge, the court heard. Baker was given a 12-month community order and told to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £60 in charges.