38-year-old Dean Carl Bailey, originally from Middlesbrough, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with three counts of larceny.
On 6 August 2017, Bailey stole a litre bottle of vodka, eight cans of lager, various groceries and a plastic shopping bag to the value of £60.98 from the Co-op store on Don Street.
He committed a further theft at the same shop four days later, this time taking a 70cl bottle of vodka, 12 cans of lager, a bottle of Jägermeister and a plastic shopping bag totalling £55.97.
Pictured: Co-op store on Don Street from which Bailey stole several bottles of alcohol. (Google Maps)
The 38-year-old also stole a bottle of white wine costing £7 from the Columbus Stores in St Helier on 5 November 2017.
All three charges were made after he was spotted stealing the items on CCTV footage.
In yesterday’s Court hearing, the prosecution read a Police statement stating that Bailey did not recall the incidents, but “was embarrassed” when he saw himself on the CCTV footage.
He then admitted he had a drink problem.
Magistrate Bridget Shaw asked Bailey if he had anything to say. He replied: “I totally agree with everything that has been said. I’ve got a bit of a problem at the moment and I’m addressing it. I’m on a detox programme with the Drugs and Alcohol Service to try to take steps to change my life.”
Magistrate Shaw told Bailey that a Social Enquiry Report found that he was “stuck in a vicious cycle and alcohol doesn’t help his low mood.”
In sentencing, Magistrate Shaw commented: “In an attempt to break the cycle, prevent re-offending and for your own welfare, I will order probation.”
Bailey was subsequently handed nine months’ probation and fined £123.95 as compensation to the shops, to be paid over six months.
