Hard-up Hartlepool dad of six stole T-shirts from Sports Direct for Christmas presents

Russell Hanson tried to leave the town’s Sports Direct store with the clothing which cost £52, Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court heard.

“The offence occurred in the Sports Direct store in the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre,” said Joanne Hesse, prosecuting.

“The store’s alarm went off as he left, and he was detained by security staff.

“When interviewed by the police, Hanson was co-operative and admitted the offence.

“The items were recovered in a saleable condition, so there is no claim for compensation.”

The court heard Hanson has previous convictions for dishonesty, and was last dealt with for shoplifting in November.

Hanson, 36, of Avenue Road, Hartlepool, admitted theft on December 17 last year.

Dave Smith, defending, told the magistrates: “This was a clumsy offence, and one which was immediately detected.

“Mr Hanson’s drugs use has declined, as has the regularity of his offending.

“In the past, Mr Hanson has stolen to get money for drugs, but on this occasion he did so because he had no money to buy Christmas presents for his six children.”

Mr Smith invited the bench to sentence Hanson for the shop theft.

“We don’t know what will happen with the drugs into prison case,” Mr Smith added. “But the reality is the sentence for that offence will have a greater impact on how Mr Hanson will spend the next few months.

“I would invite the bench to consider a financial penalty is appropriate for the shop theft.

“Mr Hanson’s income normally comes via Employment Support Allowance, but that is not being paid while he is remanded in prison.”

The magistrates ordered Hanson to pay £145 in fines and costs.

He is due before Teesside Crown Court on a date to be fixed to be sentenced for taking drugs into Holme House Prison.

Hanson is remanded in custody pending his next appearance at Teesside Crown Court.