‘I had no money to put in the meter so I went out and nicked a few belts’

shoplifter caught stealing belts from H&M was spared jail after claiming he needed to cash to top up his electricity meter.

Outreach worker Andrew Reid, 47, took five belts from the store in Cheapside in the City of London, on 24 August.

When confronted by police, Reid admitted he ‘messed up’ but needed money to pay for his electricity.

The father-of-one has a ‘long history’ of shoplifting, but had been otherwise turning his life around before the theft, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Ms Ijeomah Dan-Nzelu, prosecuting, said: ‘At the H&M store Cheapside, officers in plain clothes saw the defendant acting suspiciously.

‘The officer viewed the store’s CCTV which showed the defendant taking a number of belts, putting them inside his bomber jacket and leaving the store.

‘Then the defendant went to St Pauls underground station where he boarded a train. He was then accosted by the officers.

‘He was searched. The defendant said: “I’ve got some belts on me I took from H&M”.

‘The value of the belts came to 11.99 each, totalling £59.95.’

A sales assistant from H&M told police: ‘I’ve witnessed a great deal of shoplifting in my experience and we do not give permission for people to just walk in and take items in this way without paying for them.’

Upon arrest, Reid told police: ‘I accept I stole the belts. I needed the money for electricity. I needed to top up the meter in my flat.’

In a statement to the court, he added: ‘I am on benefits. This was a huge mistake. I haven’t shoplifted in so long.

‘I’ve not shoplifted for four years and was turning things around. I have a young daughter to look after.

‘I’ve trained to help in peer mentoring and helping those with drug addictions as a drugs worker.

‘I realised I made a mistake. I regret my actions greatly.’

Bench chair Jeffery Manton said: ‘We want him to stop this, but it seems to be going on and on. What do we do?’

Mr Manton told Reid: ‘Whilst this might be a dishonest offence, you couldn’t have been more honest about it. You cooperated, you said you messed up.

‘More importantly to us you’ve really tried to sort your life out, it’s very hard to do and you tried to do that.

‘As you know you’ve got a bit of a record, it’s a long record, of going into shops and picking things up.

‘You really can’t go into shops and take stuff.’

Reid, of Camden, admitted theft and he was given a conditional discharge for 18 months.

He will not have to pay any court costs due to his financial difficulties.

Mr Manton added: ‘Please don’t trouble us for the next 18 months and get on with your life.’