A PROLIFIC thief stole from a store after police raided his home and seized all of his money, a court heard.‬

‪Peter Martin Vickers, 44, of Carlisle, received a criminal behaviour order in 2019 after a shoplifting spree netted him goods worth £2,500. ‬

‪Under the terms of the CBO, Vickers was banned from a host of shops in the city, including all three B&M Bargains outlets.‬

‪In a public appeal, a Cumbria Constabulary officer said: “If you see Vickers ignoring the terms of the order, then contact police immediately.”

However, on December 17, Vickers broke the criminal behaviour order, snatching four gift sets worth £25.96 from the English Street B&M store.

He admitted the theft, putting him in breach of the CBO and a charge of going equipped for theft with a bladed implement.

A court heard last month he was “desperate for food”, prompting a judge to order a pre-sentence report exploring the Carlisle man’s background before he was punished.

Vickers was remanded in custody during this period and returned to Carlisle Crown Court on Thursday, when it emerged there was no report.

It was claimed he had previously refused to leave his cell to speak with a probation officer.

However, appearing at the resumed crown court hearing, Vickers’ defence to Judge Simon Medland QC was: “I had Covid-19. That’s why they wouldn’t let me out of my cell.”

Vickers was “shocked and surprised” by the refusal claim, said Tim Evans, defending, who said his latest crime was not drug-related.

“It relates to a raid on his house where some white powder — not a controlled drug — was seized, along with money,” said Mr Evans.

He said: “Because his rent money had been seized by police in the raid, he literally had no money.”

In response, Judge Medland adjourned the case for a short report update.

“The purpose is to reflect on an analysis of the defendant’s explanation that the police have raided his address and he had nothing to live on, or whether that’s simply swinging the lead because he is offending again, because he is on the drugs again,” said Judge Medland.

Vickers, of Chatsworth Square, is due to be sentenced next month.

To report an incident call 111, if it is not an emergency, or if you have information for an open investigation. In the event of an emergency call 999.