Burglar banned from leaving home at night

A BURGLAR who stole from four town centre shops has walked free from court – but has been banned from leaving his home at night.

Jonathan Paul Stephenson, 36, was caught after forcing his way into Mimi’s and Book Exchange to steal handbags and DVDs on Thursday, January 8.

He was arrested within hours and appeared at South Cheshire magistrates court on January 9.

Stephenson, of Kendal Road, Macclesfield, admitted having entered Mimis as a trespasser to steal five handbags to the value of £164. He also admitted having entered Book Exchange as a trespasser to steal DVDs to the value of £80.

At the hearing Stephenson, of Kendal Road, Macclesfield, also admitted stealing three DVDs worth £12 from Argos in Macclesfield on September 28, 2014, and taking a candle worth £19 belonging to Yankee Candles on Castle Street on October 4, 2014.

Stephenson was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for a year. He was also given a community order with 12 months of supervision from probation staff and a 10-week curfew banning him from leaving his home between 7pm and 7am. He was also ordered to pay £745 compensation for the stolen items and £80 court costs.

Speaking after the sentencing Sergeant Steve Smith, from Macclesfield police, said: “We understand the effect commercial burglaries have on local businesses.

“We will continue to work with the business community to catch those responsible and to prevent crime.”