A serial shoplifter has been sentenced to 30 weeks in prison after he bit a supermarket employee who tried to stop him stealing whisky and chocolates from a Newport store.
Criminal record
Kirk Edwards, 29, of Palmyra Place, Newport, was already subject to a suspended sentence, a conditional discharge, and a community order at the time of the offences. Newport Magistrates’ Court heard he has an extensive record of shoplifting.
The offences
Edwards attacked Wayne Hamlett at a Sainsbury’s store in Newport on Saturday, June 13, biting the worker as he tried to make off with whisky and chocolates worth £70.50.
Prosecutor Jessica Taylor-Goddard told the court that Edwards had also stolen meat valued at £36 from Marks & Spencer three days earlier, on Wednesday, June 10.
Sentencing
Edwards, represented by Darren Bishop, entered guilty pleas to the charges. District Judge Sophie Toms handed down a 30-week custodial sentence, giving credit for his guilty pleas and activating the existing suspended sentence.
The judge ordered Edwards to pay £100 in compensation to Mr Hamlett.
