A career crook, who once had to be decontaminated after stealing drugs from an abandoned medical compound, tried to make a trolley dash through a supermarket fire exit.
As previously reported on Chroniclelive, Barry Watson was given a suspended sentence in 2020 after he burgled the Longbenton compound, which had been left abandoned and strewn with body parts, cannulas and other hospital waste after its owners lost a contract with the NHS. A court had heard that the 38-year-old and his accomplice, had to be decontaminated due to the biohazard after being caught in the act.
Two years later and the bungling thief, who has 42 offences on his record, was back up to his old dishonest tricks when he attempted to steal £300-worth of goods from Morrisons in North Shields. The prolific crook was seen filling a trolley with items then trying to make his escape through a fire exit before being detained outside.
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Watson, of no fixed abode was said to be living in a tent in a park, has now been given a chance after he pleaded guilty to one count of shop theft at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £15 compensation.
Elizabeth Winchester, prosecuting, said Watson entered the store on July 9 this year and filled a trolley with goods. She added: "The defendant tried to exit through a fire door with that trolley full of goods. A customer had initially chased after the defendant and he was shortly followed by a member of staff and a security guard, who detained him."
The court heard that Watson had thrown some of the stolen items out of the trolley, which were damaged and could not be resold, but most of the other groceries were recovered. In total, £15 of goods were unable to be put back on shelves.
Liz Dunbar, defending, said the offence was unsophisticated and committed out of desperation as Watson was homeless. Ms Dunbar continued: "His benefits had also been sanctioned and he suffers from fits."
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