A dad-of-six shoplifted women's jeans from a Marks & Spencer store. Mark Hasson planned to give the clothing to his children as presents, a court heard.
The 52-year-old entered the M&S branch in Queen Street, Cardiff, on June 29 and drew the suspicion of a security guard. Prosecutor Natasha Roberts told Cardiff Magistrates' Court: "He was seen taking a number of ladies' jeans, placing them in his bag and walking out without paying. He was detained at the scene and police were called. The total value of the clothes was £118.50. They were recovered in a resaleable condition."
Hasson, of Alexandra Road in Canton, has 30 previous offences on his record. He appeared in court on Wednesday and admitted the theft — having been arrested because he missed the original court date of August 5. His lawyer Tarik Sadiq said Hasson was sorry for mixing his dates up. You can get more courts news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read next: Gareth Thomas 'hid his HIV and passed it on to ex-partner', court papers claim
The defendant, who used to run a flooring business, told police he stole the jeans because he was "skint". He also told officers he had intended to sell the clothes on, but Mr Sadiq said: "He is a father of six children and he stole the clothing as presents for his daughter and son. I believe they were ladies' jeans."
DON'T MISS:Drink driver, 24, crashed his mum's car into pregnant woman's car and then drove into her daughter
The night a police helicopter fell from the sky onto a Cardiff home
Family devastated as dog dies after being swept underground by fast-flowing stream
Mr Sadiq added there was no drugs background to the offending. "Before the Covid pandemic, he was running his own business and got into financial problems," said the lawyer. "The business ceased trading and he has been struggling for money since."
District Judge David Webster told Hasson: "I take into account that it's effectively 10 years since you were last in trouble, but it's a sad comment because that progress has now been significantly undone." The judge imposed an £80 fine — which would have been £120 had Hasson been convicted after pleading not guilty — as well as a victim services surcharge of £32 and prosecution costs of £85.
Hasson will pay the debt at £20 a month which will be deducted from his benefits. As he left the courtroom he said "sorry" to the judge. You can read more court stories here.
READ NEXT:
Waitress viciously attacks woman outside pub 'after her boyfriend cheated'
More than 400 bags of cocaine found in 'fake taxi' in Cardiff
Jealous ex-boyfriend attacked former partner and man asleep in her bed
