Peterborough shoplifter who gave police fake name is jailed

Neal Jones (26) of Delapre Court, Eye, was sentenced to a total of 22 weeks in prison by District Judge Ken Sheraton at Peterborough Crown Court last Friday after admitting guilt and obstructing a police officer.

On February 21 Jones stole a tracksuit top and bottoms from JD Sports in Queensgate worth £215.

On leaving the shop he was followed by a member of staff into John Lewis where he stole Calvin Klein aftershave worth nearly £35.

Police were called, and when spoken to Jones said his first name was Carl, before later being identified correctly by the officer in charge.

Moreover, on May 20 at about 3.50pm police were called to Sports Direct at the Bretton Centre to items of clothing worth between £200 and £300 being stolen.

And on July 3 Jones was seen on CCTV at the Co-op in High Street, Eye, concealing items in a bag without making an attempt to pay for them. It turned out to be food and drink worth £44.24.

Claire Thorneley defending said Jones had made “full admissions” in police interviews and that the “majority of the items were recovered”.

She added that Jones was now in stable accommodation and receiving benefits, adding: “He is in a much better place he has been previously.”

Jones has previous convictions for shoplifting and the court heard he had not been compliant with previous license requirements.