A prolific shoplifter is facing a prison sentence after admitting to multiple thefts and breaching a court order that barred him from entering local shops in Bristol.
Jesse Brooks, 32, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to four counts of shop theft and nine breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 5 August. He was arrested by neighbourhood police in the Hartcliffe area after being found in possession of stolen meat.
The CBO had prohibited Brooks from entering six shops across south Bristol, but police said he repeatedly ignored the ban. A further nine shoplifting offences will also be taken into consideration before sentencing. Brooks was remanded in custody ahead of a sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court on 4 September.
“This case highlights just how much of an impact the actions of a single individual can have, particularly on local shops,” said Sergeant Joe Iles of Avon and Somerset Police.
“Prolific offenders like Brooks can have a devastating effect on businesses and the wider communities, which is why swift and effective action is essential. Shoplifting is a priority for the Bristol neighbourhood team and we continue to urge everyone to report any incident they see to us so that action like this can be taken.”
The case is the latest in a growing list of offenders facing custodial sentences for both theft and CBO breaches – a combination that courts are treating with increasing seriousness.
In May, 40-year-old Jon Lee was jailed for 30 months at Basildon Crown Court after breaching a countywide ban on entering BP garages and continuing to commit thefts. Just weeks later, 38-year-old Scott Butcher, also of no fixed address, was handed an eight-month sentence after being convicted of 11 thefts and 10 breaches of a CBO, having repeatedly targeted Co-op stores in Colchester.
Criminal Behaviour Orders are imposed by courts to curb the most persistent anti-social offenders. Breaching a CBO is a criminal offence and can result in a fine, a custodial sentence, or both. Many CBOs also include conditions requiring offenders to engage in support services such as drug or alcohol treatment.