Shop thief given second chance after latest crime

A recovering drug addict who turned to shoplifting to fund his habit – including trying to steal a £1,250 Gucci top – has been given a second chance by magistrates.

Graham Cotton, of Cairo Street, Hendon, admitted stealing the top from Flannels in the Metrocentre and two Hugo boss shirts worth £260 from Fenwick’s, in Newcastle, when he appeared at South Shields Magistrates’ Court.

Lee Poppett, prosecuting, told the court the goods had been recovered in both cases and although the Gucci top had been damaged by the removal of a security tag, there was no claim for compensation.

The court heard 37-yearold Cotton had 46 previous convictions for a total of 91 offences, including 53 of theft, and was currently serving a community order.

Probation officer Paul Grace told the court: “Mr Cotton has an historic and long-standing substance misuse problem.

“He is realistic. He knows options are running out for him and options are running out for the court.”

Chris Wilson, for Cotton, said his offending was driven by his addiction: “That cycle has to be broken,” he said.

Magistrates agreed to give Cotton a chance to continue with the progress he had made.

Chairman of the bench Mrs P Morris said: “For each offence, you will be given 12 weeks custody, to run concurrently. This will be suspended for a period of 18 months.

“But you have to be aware, should you reoffend, that this suspended sentence could be activated.”