AN offender who stole Jack Daniels whiskey from Carlisle supermarkets twice in three days told police he did not normally steal – despite having 22 thefts on his record.

Patrick Beard, 37, who blamed his shoplifting on a fall-out with his family that left him homeless, committed his most recent offences over three days last month, brazenly stealing whiskey that was worth more than £300 from two city stores.

At the city’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court, he admitted both thefts.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, described how Beard, of Ghyll Bank Caravan Park, Carlisle, stole six bottles of Jack Daniels worth £102 on Saturday, July 11, from Tesco on Victoria Viaduct.

He simply walked into the store, picked up the bottles of alcohol, and left without paying. On Monday, July 13, he went to Asda at St Nicholas Gate, Carlisle.

This time, he picked up seven bottles of Jack Daniels, worth £215. “He was stopped by store staff as he attempted to leave,” said Mr Kelly. All the whiskey was recovered.

Describing the defendant’s subsequent police interview, the prosecutor said: “He said that on the first occasion he was heavily drunk. He had limited recollection of what happened but was very remorseful.

“He also said: ‘I don’t normally steal,’ but he accepts that he was shoplifting. He's got 22 theft offences recorded against him, the last one in 2018. He was last before the court in January for non-compliance with a community order.”

Addressing District Judge Gerald Chalk, a remorseful Beard said: “At the time, I’d fallen out with my family and I was on the streets.

“I started drinking heavily. I’d gone off the rails. Since then, I’ve gone back home to the family and I’ve settled and stopped getting into trouble. I’ve stopped stealing and I’ve stopped drinking and I’m getting myself back on the straight and narrow.

“I’m keeping well clear of alcohol.”

He added: “I’m sorry for the hassle it’s caused the court.”

District Judge Chalk told the defendant: “These are serious offences, with relatively high values. You have a poor record for dishonesty.” The judge imposed a community order, which included a 14 week electronically monitored curfew.

Beard must be indoors between 8pm and 6am every day.

He must also pay £102 compensation to Asda, £85 court costs, and a £95 victim surcharge. The judge told Beard: “You know what happens [about the curfew]; you’ve done one before. But I have to remind you that if you continue to steal, it’s likely you’ll end up in prison.”