Thief takes 13 tubs of Quality Street from Ferryhill shop

Carl Damien Robinson, 32, of Parker Terrace, Ferryhill, took the selection boxes in Ferryhill earlier this month.

He appeared in court the next day and pleaded guilty to six thefts and one count of possessing a controlled drug.

He was jailed for 37 weeks after a suspended prison sentence he previously received for similar offences was activated.

He was also barred from both the Co-op and Sainsbury stores in Ferryhill and ordered to pay costs.

Neighbourhood police Sergeant Craig McGuire said: “Despite several attempts to help rehabilitate Robinson, he refuses to change and continues to target our businesses.

“This behaviour is not acceptable, and we are glad he is now back behind bars so our community can have some respite over Christmas at least.”