A MAN stole lager from a Carlisle shop while police were on the premises viewing CCTV after an earlier theft.
Stephen Anderson, aged 42, was caught in the act at the city centre Tesco Express, English Street, just before 8pm on July 11.
“Officers were (already) at Tesco Express regarding a theft that had happened earlier,” prosecutor Diane Jackson told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.
“While police were viewing CCTV, a staff member has approached, saying somebody was trying to steal a four pack of lager.
"They have seen Mr Anderson leaving the store with a four pack of Madri.”
Anderson was intercepted and the loot was taken from him. In court he pleaded guilty to a theft of alcohol valued at £7.25.
The court heard Anderson, of Abbey Street, Carlisle, had a number of previous convictions for shoplifting. In 2024 he was handed a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for burglary.
Anderson had since been released from custody and into the community on licence, which was due to expire in November this year.
Defence solicitor Kate Hunter, mitigating, said Anderson’s latest crime occurred in a night when the “football was on”. England were playing Norway in a World Cup quarter-final tie that evening.
“He made a stupid decision, going into Tesco. He had money in his account. He is not really sure why he made the stupid decision to jeopardise all this (progress),” said Miss Hunter.
District judge Philip Holden noted Anderson had lately shown good progress while on licence, starting a weekday ground works job which had the potential for weekend overtime.
“It’s to your credit that you have made positive advancements in your life,” said the district judge of Anderson’s steps forward.
Anderson was fined £400 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £160 mandatory surcharge.
“Had it not been for the fact you are doing rather well on licence, and complying with what’s required of you by the probation service…I would have dealt with this in a very different way,” the judge concluded.
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