Serial shoplifter stole hundreds of pounds worth of meat, fish and butter from Sainsburys swiftly caught and jailed

A serial shoplifter who stole hundreds of pounds worth of meat, fish and butter from Newcastle’s Sainsbury’s stores was behind bars within 48 hours of being caught.

Colin French, 26, was arrested on Conyers Road in Byker after stealing from a store in Heaton on Monday July 22. French, who has previous convictions for shoplifting, assault and drug possession, was charged with eight counts of shoplifting.

On Tuesday, French, of Hugh Gardens in Newcastle, admitted all charges against him and began a 16-week sentence in prison.

Inspector Anita Morgan of the force’s Newcastle neighbourhood policing team, said: “Colin French is a repeat offender and has been a misery to those working in local Sainsbury’s stores across the city. Across a week-long period, he stole hundreds of pounds worth of food and showed a total disregard for the law.

“Thanks to quick actions of our neighbourhood officers, I am pleased that he was been arrested and charged so swiftly before being jailed, meaning that he can no longer cause disruption in our communities.”