A shoplifter who stole expensive Ralph Lauren clothing was later caught by police dealing heroin and crack cocaine after he failed to turn up to court. He took to dealing in order to fund his own drug addiction.
Lee Cross, 43, was caught stealing £742 worth of clothing in John Lewis in Cardiff city centre on April 3. He was identified by facial recognition and arrested but the clothes were never recovered. During his police interview he claimed to be drunk.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard the defendant didn't turn up to his court appearance and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Cross was seen by police on May 9 in Queen Street and appeared to be involved in a drug deal.
