Prolific shoplifter from Whittlesey jailed

A prolific shoplifter from Whittlesey who continued to steal while waiting to appear in court has been jailed.

Thomas Smiley, 35, stole various items from Tesco stores in the Peterborough area on September 20 and 25 last year and also assaulted a member of staff.

He was arrested on November 14, and cannabis and a folding knife were found on him.

He was remanded in prison on recall but was later released and failed to appear at his next court hearing.

However, he continued to offend, stealing almost £800 worth of items from Co-op stores in Yaxley once and in Eye on four occasions between February 17 and March 3. He also targeted Keshco, in Broad Street, Whittlesey, on March 26.

Officers went to his home in Windmill Street, Whittlesey, on April 6, but Smiley ran and was arrested in nearby Gracious Street after a short foot chase.

He was jailed for 32 weeks and ordered to pay £992.25 in compensation after admitting eight counts of theft from a shop, assault by beating, possession of cannabis and possession of a knife at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 7.

PC Ashford, who investigated, said: “Smiley is a prolific thief with no regard for the impact of his actions.

“Assaults against retail staff are unacceptable, no one should be treated like this for simply doing their job.”