Prolific shoplifter banned from every shop in County Durham

Grant West, 36, appeared in court on Monday (November 24) charged with four thefts, four breaches of a restraining order and threatening behaviour.

He pleaded guilty to all offences and was handed a 32-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

West, of Darlington Road in Ferryhill, was ordered to pay £100 compensation and was slapped with a two-year criminal behaviour order preventing him entering any retail store in the County.

He also cannot enter or remain in any retail premises with his face covered, such as by a mask, balaclava or helmet, or remain in any store when asked to leave by a staff, security, or police.

Sergeant Craig McGuire, from Durham police, said: “The team will continue to take action to protect businesses where you live, even if it means putting shoplifters back before the courts several times, and we want to thank the public for working with us to keep our communities safe.”