Serial thief targets Wednesfield Boots twice in one week
A serial thief targeted the same Boots pharmacy twice in a week making off with more than £1,500 of make-up and razors.
Steven Parker first stole from the Boots outlet in Wednesfield High Street on May 18 last year.
When challenged by staff and customers the 37-year-old threatened to hurt them.
He returned seven days later and raided the same make-up counter before leaning over staff to nab razors.
Staff identified Parker to police and he was arrested on June 7. A pharmacist who witnessed both thefts has since asked for a transfer to a different Boots because of the distress it has caused her.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday, Parker cried as he was spared an immediate jail term by Recorder Collingwood Thompson QC.
He was given a six month suspended sentence and told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work having previously admitted two counts of theft and one of causing fear of violence.
Miss Joanne Barker, prosecuting, told the court Parker wore a hooded top partially covering his face during both thefts, but was still recognised by staff.
Of the first instance, she said: "He approached the make-up counter and put items in a carrier bag.
"He was so aggressive he broke part of the display. A customer placed their hand on him and he said 'don't f***ing touch me or I will hurt you.'"
Parker, of Ashmore Avenue, Ashmore Park, filled up a bag with £1,180 worth of goods and left before taking £500 of products on his second visit.
The court heard he had 30 previous convictions for 63 offences.
Mr John Brotherton, defending, said the problems throughout his client's offending had been a drug habit but he now wanted to get clean.
