Shoplifter pinched two days after jail release

A homeless man with long-term drug problems was caught stealing perfume from Boots in Mansfield two days after he was released from jail, a court has heard.
Mansfield Magistrates CourtMansfield Magistrates Court
Mansfield Magistrates Court

Craig William Maltby, 30, who now has a care-of address in Sutton, admitted taking the £49 bottle of Paco Rabanne perfume from the store on St Peter’s Retail Park, on April 27.

The court heard he was arrested after a security guard recognised him and checked CCTV.

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Chris Lacey, mitigating, said Maltby had been released from prison on April 27 but missed an appointment with his drugs worker and had no prescription for the heroin substitute methadone.

District Judge Tim Spruce said: “Things are on a knife edge for you. The last five court appearances have resulted in custody.

“I have no doubt that what is driving your offending is drug misuse.

“I am going to err on the side of trust in you. Today you will receive a script that will help you manage your drug problem.”

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Giving Maltby a 12-month conditional discharge, he said: “If you do come back Mr Maltby, it will be another 16 weeks in prison, plus what you get for any other offences.”

Maltby had outstanding debts of £899 owed to the court, but District Judge Spruce ruled it could be reduced by a day’s detention to the £329 he owed in compensation.

Maltby must also pay £20 compensation to Boots.

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