Homeless thief stole food because he had not eaten for two days

A homeless thief who had not eaten for a couple of days was caught stealing a sandwich and a chocolate bar.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, May 24, how David Paul Weaving, 49, stole the goods from the Co-op, on High Street, Ripley.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “He selected a bar of chocolate and a sandwich and went past the point of payment without paying.

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“The goods were recovered and he said he had not eaten for a number of days and was hungry.”

Weaving, who has previous convictions including thefts, pleaded guilty to stealing the sandwich and the chocolate after the incident on March 6 and also admitted failing to attend court on March 21.

Defence solicitor Rob Sowter said: “He was taken to the back of the shop and the goods were recovered.

“He was homeless and had not eaten for a couple of days and he had stolen these goods to eat.”

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Magistrates sentenced Weaving, formerly of Dovedale Crescent, Belper and now of Leopold Street, Normanton, Derby, to a 12 month conditional discharge.

He was warned if he re-offends he will be re-sentenced for the theft and any other new offence.

Weaving was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.