Deepings shop thief locked up

Philip Malone, 39, from Churchfield Close, Deeping St James, was arrested following a witness appeal in January. Officers released CCTV of an incident at The Pasta Shop in Queens Walk, Peterborough, on January 20.

Malone was identified by numerous members of the public and arrested. He admitted to the offence in interview.

Malone entered the shop with another man and walked towards the till, appearing to be waiting to be served. He then tampered with the till until it opened, grabbed £155 and stuffed it up his jacket, before heading towards the exit.

On the way out the owner confronted the men, who denied any wrong doing, and continued to leave the shop the court heard.

Malone pleaded guilty on February 17 and admitted a future seven offences, which were taken into consideration and he was sentenced last Thursday (April 21) at Lincoln Crown Court.

PCSO Matt Lauch said: “I would like to thank the public for their response to our CCTV appeal. Thanks to the people in the community coming forward and providing information we were able to identify the offender and bring him to justice.”