Man sentenced for going on 'shoplifting spree' in Halstead

Joe Wilkinson, 38, faced five charges of theft, one charge of assault and assault of an emergency worker, as well as one charge of robbery when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court. 

Appearing for sentencing via video link from Chelmsford Prison, the defendant faced the consequences of what His Honour Judge Alexander Mills called a “shoplifting spree” in stores in Halstead in January and March this year. 

Richard Paterson, prosecuting, and Judge Mills agreed a crime prevention order to prevent further attempts of theft would have the “desired effect” given the number of convictions and prior convictions. 

Sentenced - Joe Wilkinson, 38, of no fixed address, has been sentenced to 13 months of imprisonment (Image: Essex Police)

The court heard on Monday from Sania Nissar, mitigating, that Wilkinson, of no fixed address, had used his time in custody to reflect on his actions, showing that he was ready to make changes. 

She said: “He is taking the support available to him to break away from previous offending. He has expressed he is remorseful and wants to change and take advantage of the support.” 

Ms Nissar said Wilkinson was eager to return to society as a "positive and active" member, addressing the underlying issues of drug use, which have been called the “sole cause of his offending”. 

Judge Mills gave the defendant the opportunity to read a letter addressed to him. 

In his letter, Wilkinson said: “For a long time I have not cared about me, I have been self sabotaging. 

Scene - The Co-op in Weavers Court was one of the places Wilkinson sought out

“I want to stop wasting my time. I could essentially die tomorrow. This has to change now. 

“I desperately want to make changes.” 

The court heard Wilkinson had stole goods worth £1,596 from shops in Halstead.

He had assaulted a police officer by lashing out and trying to bite him, as well as grabbing his hair in a shop in Braintree.

The thefts had started just two days after he received a suspended sentence. 

Wilkinson was jailed for 13 months for the offences, which Judge Mills called “extensive, serious, and violent”.