Shoplifter stole £300 of perfume to pay rent

A SHOPLIFTER who stole £300 of perfume during two raids on the same South Tyneside shop has been ordered to do community service.

Neal Preston was caught leaving Debenhams in Waterloo Square, South Shields, on February 9, with six bottles of scent worth £220.

The 35-year-old was arrested, and charged with theft and released on bail.

Then on May 8, he was arrested at the same shop with two bottles of aftershave in a foil-lined carrier bag – while on bail for the earlier theft.

Preston, of Rekendyke Mews, South Shields, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one charge of going equipped for theft at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court last week.

Laura Johnson, defending, said: “He did this because of his financial situation.

“He is behind in his rent, which is £450 per month.

“He only receives £82 a fortnight in benefit, and gets other help to pay the shortfall in his rent.

“That doesn’t leave him with any money to buy food and other essentials.

“He stole these items to try to sell on, and help the situation.”

The court heard that Preston previously had a drug problem.

Magistrates gave Preston a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and a £60 victim surcharge.