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17
Jul
Man who ‘did not have access to food’ sentenced for Ripon theft
A man who was sleeping rough and had limited access to food was sentenced for theft at Harrogate Magistrates Court today (July 17).
John Wilson, who gave the court an address on Newby Crescent in Harrogate, pleaded guilty to the offence.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court the theft, which happened at around 11pm on June 13, occurred at BP petrol station on Ripon’s North Street.
Wilson went into the store, where he selected various food and drink items which had a total value of £19.68.
The 25-year-old defendant was captured stealing the items on CCTV, which was passed onto the police.
Wilson was arrested but declined to comment during an interview with the police, the court heard.
Ms Ibbotson said Wilson does have previous convictions, but he has not troubled the courts since 2021, when he was sentenced for robbery.
Defendant was living on the streets, court hears
Mr Walker, defending, told the court the theft was “out of character” for Wilson.
The court heard Wilson had been staying with his partner before the offence occurred, but her home was made subject to a closure order.
“This left them both on the street”, Mr Walker said.
He added:
It’s a couple of packets of sweets. He took them as he was hungry and he did not have access to food at his partner’s address [due to the closure order].
Mr Walker believed Wilson is “unlikely to repeat this behaviour”, especially now he has stable accommodation.
Wilson was handed a six-month conditional discharge.
He was ordered to pay a total of £130.68, comprising £19.68 in compensation, £85 in prosecution costs and a £26 surcharge.
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