A prolific shoplifter has been returned to prison after stealing over £1,300 worth of Blu Ray DVDs and cleaning products from city centre shops.
Jason Kelly, aged 41, was identified by CCTV footage after targeting FOPP in Bridlesmith Gate and One Beyond in Victoria Centre on multiple occasions.
Kelly, who has multiple previous convictions for similar offences, was arrested at the latter store on Friday (20 March) having been detained by staff.
He appeared the following day at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, which heard he used intimidating threats and violence to ensure that he got away with the goods.
The court also heard he committed the crimes while on a suspended prison sentence for previous offending.
Kelly, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 13 shop thefts, common assault and six counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause that person to believe that immediate unlawful violence would be used against them.
He was jailed for six months and 12 days and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order, which prohibits him from entering Victoria Centre and FOPP for two years.
PC Phil Yates, of Nottinghamshire Police, said he was pleased that Kelly had received a custodial sentence for his crimes. He said:
“No person should ever have to come to work and be worried about their safety whilst they carry out their duties. Kelly exploited this on a number of occasions whilst stealing many items from shops, causing them a significant loss.
“A lot of work went into investigating these crimes with a joint effort between Neighbourhood Policing, Response, local businesses and the My Local Bobby’s team, where the evidence was so overwhelming that Kelly had no choice but to plead guilty to them in court.
“His sentence and the CBO that we were able to secure will give city centre businesses some welcome respite and reassurance that Kelly should no longer be a problem for them.
“As we have often shown in the past, anyone who breaches their CBO will be dealt with robustly with zero tolerance for any breaches, and Kelly will find himself back in front of magistrates if he goes on to breach this on release from prison.”
• Residents and Nottingham Forest Academy hold talks over parking issues
