Thief with 180 offences on his record steals toys from Hartlepool's Argos store twice on the same day

David Peterson walked into Argos in Hartlepool twice on the same day, stealing toys on each occasion.

Magistrates were told that of the 180 offences he has on his 92 which are for theft and dishonesty and there was only a matter of days between his previous offending and these crimes.

Peterson was arrested after he was stopped by security guards as he left a Marks and Spencer with lamb joints he intended to steal.

"The meat was recovered in a saleable condition," Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, told Teesside Magistrates' Court.

"The toys were never recovered.

"Mr Peterson has an extensive record comprising 180 offences, 92 of which are for theft and dishonesty offences.

"His last sentence, for a range of offences including shop theft, was imposed in January shortly before he committed the offence at Argos."

Peterson, of Tower Street, Hartlepool, admitted theft on January 20, and he admitted theft on February 8.

Paul Dixon, defending, said: "Mr Peterson had every intention of complying with the last community order.

"He attended all his appointments apart from the last one when he was in custody on remand.for the Marks and Spencer offence.

"Unfortunately, there was a gap in his benefits payments which meant he found himself desperately short of money.

"I understand a payment has now been made.

"He has spent a few days inside for what are comparatively low value thefts.

"Now that his benefits are sorted, he can get on with completing his community order."

The bench ordered Peterson to pay £89 compensation to Argos at £5 a week.