Shoplifter jailed after £916 Sainsbury’s theft in Blackwood

A shoplifter equipped with tools of the trade has been jailed after stealing nearly £1,000 worth of goods from a supermarket.

Mihai Onica, 52, admitted theft and going equipped for theft when he appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court.

The defendant stole electrical items and nicotine products worth £916 from Sainsbury’s in Pontllanfraith, Blackwood on Saturday, September 20.

Officers discovered he was carrying a foil lined bag, an electric jammer device and scissors.

The court heard Onica was “operating as a professional criminal and has a flagrant disregard for court orders”.

District Judge Sophie Toms sentenced the defendant, of Romford Road, Forest Gate, London, to 30 weeks in prison.

He will have to pay a £187 victim surcharge and £85 costs upon his release from custody.