Shoplifters targeted three towns in spree

Two prolific shoplifters have been spared jail after a series of thefts across three towns.

James Haylett, 39, and 61-year-old Ian Newall had racked up 101 previous convictions between them before being arrested for their latest thieving spree.

The duo, who have both had problems with drink and drugs, targeted stores in Scarborough, Whitby and Malton between January 22 and 26.

They initially denied the offences but pleaded guilty to the series of thefts on the day of trial.

Newall and Haylett appeared at York Crown Court on Thursday knowing their long criminal records meant jail was a distinct possibility.

But when the court clerk asked, ‘Are you Ian Newall?’, before reading out the charges, the veteran thief replied: “I think so.”

Wise-cracking Newall, of Bridlington Street, Hunmanby, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft. A separate allegation that he stole four candles from a local store was dropped by the CPS with no evidence offered.

Haylett, of Sandybed Crescent, Scarborough, admitted two counts of shoplifting.

Prosecutor Liam O’Brien said “the man who thinks he is Ian Newall” began his shoplifting spree by spiriting a bottle of wine out of a Spar store on January 22. The following morning, Newall and Haylett targeted a Proudfoot store in Malton, where they stole bottles of spirits.

Later that same day, Newall and an “unidentified male” stole hair straighteners and razor blades from Boots in Whitby. Newall and Haylett later returned to the same Proudfoots store where they pinched pricey bottles of spirits.

Mr O’Brien said Newall’s criminal record, which dated back to 1974, included 37 previous convictions for 89 offences, mainly theft.

Haylett had 64 previous convictions for 124 offences, half of them for theft.

Newall was given a sixmonth suspended prison term with a three-month nightly curfew. Haylett was given a 12-month community order with a 10-day rehabilitation course and 50 hours’ unpaid work.