A man has been sentenced for stealing almost £4000 worth of items from a Waitrose High Street store and has narrowly avoided jail.

Neil Malcolm Smith of Barry, South Wales has been convicted for several high value thefts from the Waitrose Store along Marlborough High Street which took place across 2023.

Smith appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Monday, February 12 and was handed a four month prison sentences which will be suspended for 18 months.

He has also been ordered to pay £3974 in compensation to Waitrose as well as £85 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

As well as these crimes during 2023, two people are set to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court after being accused of stealing high value alcohol items from the same Waitrose over the last few weeks.

A 41-year-old male and a 46-year-old male are set to appear in Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, February 28.

Marlborough Police posted on behalf of Wiltshire Police today, February 16, informing the public of the court result and the update on the suspected crime.