Eagle-eyed Keswick supermarket staff caught a shoplifter making a return visit – as they viewed CCTV showing his first crime several days earlier.
Andrew Mitchell, 33, first walked into Booths in Tithebarn Street on January 5 with a female pushing a trolley in which there was a “bag for life” containing bottles of alcohol valued at £307.50, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard.
“The defendant leaves the store without offering any form of payment,” said prosecutor Peter Kelly. “It is not detected at that time.”
But Mitchell was identified as the culprit five days later, on January 10, as an employee viewed camera footage during the mid-afternoon. “It seems the defendant is then seen back in the store as the same time as CCTV footage is being inspected,” said Mr Kelly.
Mitchell was caught on camera taking more alcohol, worth £462.50, before trying to leave – again without paying.
“It is apparent he is challenged and these items have been recovered,” said the prosecutor.
Mitchell, of Ullswater Road, Carlisle, was charged and should have appeared before magistrates in Workington on February 7. But when he failed to show, a warrant was issued for his arrest. “He is effectively surrendering to that warrant today,” said Mr Kelly.
Mitchell admitted two counts of theft and was jailed at Carlisle Crown Court for six months for an offence of dangerous driving which occurred on April 16 in the city.
Mitchell had 108 previous offences to his name for dishonesty which, defence lawyer John Smith said, was “the typical type of record for somebody who has had drug problems”.
Mitchell was jailed for a total of 13 weeks by District Judge John Temperley.
