Outwell man Darrell Couzins stole tobacco from G&B Superstore in Upwell

A 48-year-old has been fined after sneaking behind a shop kiosk and stealing pouches of tobacco.

Darrell Couzins, of Suttons Close in Outwell, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop when he appeared at King's Lynn Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Crown prosecutor Ruth Becker told magistrates that at around 9pm on January 18, Couzins entered the G&B Superstore premises in Upwell, going behind the counter and removing three pouches of tobacco from a display area.

He was described as a "regular customer", and was identified by CCTV footage after leaving the shop and making no attempt to pay.

Miss Becker said "a bit of a chase" followed, with Couzins discarding the tobacco - although it was recovered.

The defendant made full admissions to police when he was arrested, although this offence meant he had breached an 18-month conditional discharge he was handed in October 2021.

However, magistrates - led by Pat Isbill - opted not to activate that discharge, and instead left it to run its course due to this being a dissimilar offence to Couzins' previous one.

In mitigation, Ruth Johnson said that after being arrested, Couzins made comments on his "stupid idea" to steal from the store.

She added that the defendant has managed to significantly cut the amount of alcohol he consumes - but "on this occasion he had a drink which let to him behaving stupidly and committing the theft".

Couzins was also fined £50 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.