Man who stole cigarettes from shop gets suspended jail sentence

A man who admitted stealing hundreds of pounds worth of cigarettes from a shop in Waltham Abbey has been sentenced.

Jerome Lamaswala, of Hainault Road, Chigwell, was arrested within 20 minutes of officers receiving reports of an incident at the Co-op in Sun Street, on Saturday 20 July.

The 30 year-old was found with a plastic bag full of cigarettes, dark clothing and a knife.

On Thursday (26 September) Lamaswala was given a two-year prison sentence for burglary and a nine-month prison sentence for possession of a knife or bladed or sharp pointing article in a public place by the Chelmsford crown court.

Both sentences to run concurrently and are suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 50 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 150 hours of unpaid work and has a six-month residence requirement.

The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the knife.

The court heard that Lamaswala walked into the store at 9.40pm and wandered around, passing the till where people were being served by the cashier.

As the last customer left, Lamaswala grabbed a basket and climbed over the counter and started to fill the basket with cigarettes.

One employee called police and locked the exit door to the shop.

When Lamaswala went to leave, two shop staff reported that the defendant was holding a knife.

Lamaswala fled through a fire exit but was found by officers searching the area and arrested at 10pm.

Essex police said he remained silent throughout questioning, but admitted burglary other than dwelling and possession of a knife or bladed or sharp pointing article in a public place when he appeared at the court on Monday 19 August.

He denied a charge of robbery and was found not guilty at the same court on 10 September when the prosecution offered no evidence.

“Quick-thinking staff at the store alerted officers to a crime in action, we responded to the incident and arrested Lawaswala. The detailed description and information provided ensured officers were able to act swiftly and make an arrest within 30 minutes,” PC Joel Airey of Essex Police, officer in charge, said.

"Nobody should think they can walk into a shop in Essex and steal from hard-working business owners. And this case makes it clear that we will work to bring those intent on committing these sorts of offences before the courts.”