A shoplifting heroin addict must pay Marks and Spencer nearly £100 in compensation after stealing steaks from its Ipswich town centre store.
Steven Harris, of no fixed address, admitted stealing eight packets of steak worth £96 from M&S in Tavern Street on May 13 when he appeared before Ipswich magistrates.
The 44-year-old was found to have shoplifted the meat after a security officer reviewed the shop’s CCTV. It showed Harris picking up eight packets and putting them in his bag, before leaving without paying.
Harris was identified from the CCTV images by a police officer. He was arrested on August 5.
The court was told Harris had used heroin for 14 years and stole from shops to feed his habit. Harris was said to be seeking help for his addiction.
Magistrates sentenced Harris to six weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and must pay M&S £96 compensation.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here