SERIAL THIEF ‘MOVES OUT OF CITY’
ALCOHOLIC SPENT ‘NUMBER OF YEARS IN PRISON’
A serial thief has avoided going to jail for his latest crimes – after his solicitor argued he hasn’t been in trouble for more than two months.
Alcoholic David Holland stole fragrances from a department store, along with various items from people’s cars, and was seen carrying a foil-lined box, pliers, a small knife and screwdriver.
However, after moving from Sunderland’s Norfolk Hotel and “away from negative influences” to make a new home in Consett, he recently turned his life around, magistrates were told.
The 31-year-old has been given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Prosecutor Glenda Beck said Holland was first spotted taking two bottles of perfume from Debenhams, in The Bridges, Sunderland, at 4.40pm, on December 10 last year. He was arrested and found in possession of a foil-lined box and a pair of pliers. He told police he has stolen the perfume because he was “rattling for a drink”, the court heard.
Ms Beck said: “He told officers he was doing it under duress after a man held a Stanley knife against his throat and told him to go to Debenhams and steal two bottles of aftershave.”
The other offences were committed in January.
Ms Beck said: “On January 9, police officers were driving along the Great North Road in Newcastle when they saw a man lying on a grassed area on the side of the road.”
Ms Beck said the bag included items valued at £700, including vehicle documents, a watch and other items. These were later reported stolen from two separate vehicles.
Holland, of Parliament Street, Consett, pleaded guilty to three shop thefts, three counts of going equipped for burglary, two thefts from a motor vehicle and two counts of failing to surrender to bail.
Paul Oxnard, defending, said: “He has pretty much spent a number of years – most of his recent life – in prison.”
Holland was also told to carry out 20 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £85 costs and £60 compensation.
“He’s pretty much spent a number of years in prison” PAUL OXNARD