A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targets a supermarket convenience store has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.

Martin Bradford, 46, of Offerton Road, appeared before Swindon Magistrates' Court on August 21 after being held overnight in custody.

Bradford pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the requirements of a community order and shoplifting.

During his most recent offence on July 18, Bradford stole a block of cheese from the East Wichel Co-op store, despite being banned from all Co-op stores in Swindon for previous shoplifting.

On March 29 he stole cider from the convenience store, totalling around £7.20, then returned on April 7 to steal £15 worth of quiche, pasties and mustard, before returning just two days later to steal two bottles of cider and BBQ sauce, which were recovered.

Bradford, who has 14 theft offences on his record, pleaded guilty on April 25 to stealing £288.88 of food and drink from Co-op stores between March 29 and April 23, 2024.

He was later given a community order on May 14 but had failed to attend appointments as directed on May 21 and July 3.  

Ms Hillier, defending, said Bradford suffers with his mental health and has been abusing alcohol for several years.

She added that he stole the cheese because he was “starving hungry" and all of the previously stolen food and drink was for his own consumption.

She said: “He’s in real fear that alcohol will take his life.

“He knows what he needs to do to try to sort things out.

“Mr Bradford wants to do that but doesn’t seem to have the motivation to give him the kick he needs to sort it out.”

The magistrate said: “It's clearly a challenging situation for you.

"There’s an opportunity here to make a difference to your life, you acknowledge the drinking situation is potentially a life-threatening one and as with all things in life you get out what you put in.

“We want to see a turn made by you so that you can progress on with your life beyond the place you’re in at the moment.

“Now the ball is in your court.”

Bradford was ordered to pay £25 compensation to Co-op and his community order was upheld.

The magistrate gave Bradford a final warning, saying: “You have been dealt with leniently because we want to try to encourage you to help yourself.

“You won’t get the same treatment next time.”