Richard Calvert (Image: North Wales Police)
Last Updated: 1 hour ago
A man who was prohibited from entering any retail premises across England and Wales has been sent to prison after admitting to a string of thefts spanning several months.
Richard Calvert, 46, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to seven shoplifting offences and two breaches of a restraining order when he appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on 25 March.
The court heard Calvert had repeatedly targeted food shops across Flintshire between September 2025 and February this year, hiding items inside his jacket before walking out without paying. Among the stores he stole from were Sainsbury’s and Aldi in Flint, along with the Co-op fuel station and Tesco in Holywell.
His decision to enter the Tesco store in Holywell resulted in two additional charges, as the terms of his restraining order barred him from every shop in England and Wales.
Calvert was sentenced to 40 weeks in prison.
PC Daniel Reilly said: “Calvert is a prolific offender and has been causing a significant demand to retailers across Flintshire.
“Protecting staff, businesses and their customers from this type of criminality, which has created a significant impact on their wellbeing and business, is our priority.
“We will continue to work with partners and residents protect those working in the retail sector.”
