Bath magistrates have jailed a drug-addicted shoplifter for 26 weeks.
Michael Batten, of Dominion Road, Twerton, appeared in court for sentencing on Wednesday 22nd October, having previously admitted eight offences of stealing items from the One Stop shop in The Hollow, Southdown.
He stole items on 19th July, on 3rd, 28th and 31st August, on 8th September (twice) and 10th and 14th September.
After admitting the charges when he was in court on 16th September, magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report.
In court last Wednesday, a probation officer said that Batten has been receiving help from Turning Point, which is the Bath & North East Somerset drug and alcohol service, but missed appointments offered by the Probation Service to prepare the pre-sentence report.
Solicitor Mark O’Donnell, representing Batten, said the 40-year-old had committed the offences whilst “in the grip” of a Class A drug addiction.
Mr O’Donnell said although Batten had crossed the custody threshold, he was taking steps to overcome his drug addiction and was awaiting a script.
He asked magistrates to suspend any sentence as Batten knew he would be locked up if he offends again.
Prosecutor Marie Doyle asked the magistrates to award compensation to the One Stop shop of £679.20 and for a community behaviour order (CBO) banning Batten from the store for a minimum of two years. She also asked for £85 towards prosecution costs.
As the chair of the magistrates sentenced him to 26 weeks in custody due to the risk of further offences, Batten begged “please don’t”, adding: “Mate, I’m trying my hardest.”
He swore as he was taken down to the cells.
Magistrates made no order for prosecution costs or a surcharge, but Batten must pay the store £679.20 in compensation and abide by a two-year CBO banning him from the One Stop shop once he is released from jail.
Batten has previously been before the courts 35 times for various offences.
