A serial thief who has amassed 224 offences on his shameful record has been given a chance to stay out of jail.
Nikki Stuart has long darkened the court's doors and served time behind bars for repeatedly targeting stores across the North East. During his latest shoplifting spree, the 43-year-old stole more than £800-worth of goods from Fenwick, Sainsbury's and Sports Direct.
However, rather than serving another jail sentence, Stuart was offered a lifeline and given a 12-month community order with a warning that, if he fails to comply with the order or re-offends, he'll end up back in a prison cell. Stuart appeared in custody at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Thursday to plead guilty to four counts of shop theft.
