Missed appointment sparks shoplifter's return to crime

A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been jailed after being arrested with a Stanley knife.

Martin Nobes, 33, was released from prison after being jailed for 15 months for GBH on a security guard when shoplifting.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard when he was released he could not get a script for methadone.

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Nobes, who has 48 convictions for 190 offences – 131 them for dishonesty and theft, was 20 minutes late to get the script.

Howard Barrington-Clarke, defending, said Nobes then turned to stealing again to get money to buy methadone on the street.

Nobes, of Soberton Road, Havant stole £61.88 worth of meat from Farm Foods, in Greywell Road, Havant, on June 4.

A CCTV operator spotted him on June 14 in Havant and police were called.

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Officers searching him found the knife in his jogging bottoms.

The court heard it had been in a jacket he borrowed.

Mr Barrington-Clarke said: ‘We have a man aged 33, addicted to class A for well over a decade, with all the inherent problems of an acquisitive, chaotic lifestyle.

‘He’s recognised by every police officer and store detective at 50 paces.’

But he added Nobes is now clean and had served seven weeks on remand.

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Sentencing, judge Claudia Ackner said: ‘Your lateness for the appointment to get your methadone script has unfortunately put you in the position you are today.’

Nobes was handed two months for theft and seven for possession of a bladed article. He admitted both.