A serial shoplifter with 343 convictions on his record has walked free from court for his latest spate of offences.
Time and time and time again, prolific thief Craig Nicholson has been hauled before the courts for targeting Tyneside shops. During the latest spree, he was already subject to a suspended prison sentence for having a knife in public, but that did not deter him.
However, despite his record and the fact he has committed yet more thefts and breached the suspended sentence and a conditional discharge, he was given a community order and banned from Newcastle Central Station, which is the hub of the majority of his offending.
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Judge Stephen Earl, at Newcastle Crown Court, said: "He is what can only be described as a prolific low-level offender. I agree he is a nuisance."
Judge Earl added: "It would be easy for me to lock him up. He has breached the suspended sentence order now numerous times and I could take the opportunity to take him out of circulation, probably for about six months. Locking him up would be the easy thing.
"If he was not already on a suspended sentence I could probably give him another suspended sentence."
The judge added: "He has made significant progress. He is what can only be described as a gobby individual who can be a nuisance to the police and members of the public. I normally take a very harsh stance that if you commit the crime you do the time.
"What a way to live your life in your 40s. However I do think he has made significant, dramatic progress. There does come a time, if there are green shoots you feed them or you dig them up. I'm going to fine him for the breach of the suspended sentence order and give him a community order."
Judge Earl told Nicholson he could be "heavily criticised" for not locking him for breaching the suspended sentence but said he would give him a chance. The serial offender told the judge: "You will not see me again."
The 44-year-old, of Fife Street, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to nine thefts and one attempted theft was sentenced to a community order for two years with rehabilitation, fined £100 and was given a two-year criminal behaviour order banning him from Central Station.
Nicholson stole items, including four pork joints and a Jack Daniels mixer drink, from Tesco, in Jesmond, in October last year.
On Christmas Day, he went to Bensham Wines, in Gateshead, picked up a box of beer and left without paying. The shopkeeper sought to stop him leaving and the box of beer broke in the struggle.
In October last year Nicholson stole items, including a toothbrush, from Boots, at Newcastle Central Station.
In January this year and November last year, he stole goods, including coffee and biscuits, from Sainsbury's, at Central Station. He targeted the same shop on three dates last October.
David Robinson-Young, prosecuting, said: "Every time he walks into Sainsbury's or Boots the staff are caused alarm or harassment."
He also admitted theft of pedal cycle in November 2021 and attempted theft of another bike in February last year.
As well as being in breach of a suspended sentence, he was also in breach of a conditional discharge for attempted theft.
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