Hartlepool soap thief jailed after breaching curfew on Christmas Day

And a short time afterwards Keith Ingham stole from the same Sainsbury’s store twice in two days, Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court heard.

“The first theft from Sainsbury’s in Murray Street was on January 10,” said Joanne Hesse, prosecuting. “Washing gels valued at £22 were taken.

“Ingham stole coffee from the same store two days later.

“On the same day he took soap powder and chocolate from the Premier store in Cornwall Street, Hartlepool.”

“He was identified on CCTV, and some of the items were recovered.

“When interviewed by police, Ingham refused to look at the CCTV and made no replies to all questions.”

Ingham, 34, of Derwent Street, Hartlepool, admitted three charges of theft, and one charge of breaching a curfew.

The court heard he has a ‘lengthy list’ of previous convictions for dishonesty.

John Relton, defending, said in mitigation: “Mr Ingham has since seen the CCTV and he does accept his guilt. The footage was not immediately to hand at the police station, so he didn’t so much refuse to view it, rather he just wanted to get on with the process.

“He has had a problem with misuse of drugs over the years, but has recently been trying to make the best of his life as he sees it.

“Mr Ingham has recently been the victim of a serious assault, which has led to issues of anxiety and depression.

“As regards the breach of curfew, well, it was on Christmas Day.”

The magistrates jailed Ingham for 28 days, and ordered him to pay £42 compensation to Sainsbury’s and Premier Stores.