A prolific shoplifter has been banned from dozens of branches of the Co-op and Morrisons or face going to prison.
The one-year ban was imposed on Adrian Walker, 50, after he appeared in court charged with more than 20 similar offences.
Deputy District Judge Jennifer Twite imposed a criminal behaviour order when Walker admitted 22 counts of shoplifting and one charge of theft at Crawley Magistrates’ Court last week.
She also sentenced Walker to a 12-month community order, six months of non-residential drug rehab, during which he will be liable to testing, and 10 days of further rehabilitation activity.
Walker stole goods worth almost £1,500 over nine months from August last year. His most recent offence took place three weeks ago, on Tuesday 9 April.
Nineteen of the thefts were from the Co-op branch in Dorsten Square, Crawley.
Sussex Police said: “A shoplifter has been handed a criminal behaviour order for his prolific offending in Crawley.
“Adrian Walker was given a five-year CBO when he appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday 22 April.
“The order prevents him from
- remaining on any retail premises within the county of Sussex when asked to leave
- entering any Co-op store in Sussex
- entering any Morrisons Daily in West Sussex
- entering any retail store in Dorsten Square, Crawley
“The total value of items he stole is £1,463.23.
“Walker admitted 22 counts of shoplifting and one count of theft from a property when he appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 April.”
Sergeant Andy Bryant, of the Tactical Enforcement Unit, said: “The order is necessary and proportionate to protect businesses in Sussex from significant financial loss and to prevent Walker from committing further crimes.
“His behaviour shows that he thought he could keep offending but this order will stop him from doing so.
“If he breaches his criminal behaviour order, he will be put before the courts and he will be behind bars.”
Walker, of Meridian Close, Crawley, was also ordered to pay £312 in compensation.
