Sunderland thief in 'financial difficulties' targeted same store three times in weeks

Gavin Hanratty, 44, of Lynthorpe, Hollycarrside, stole £50 of meat and toiletries from Home Bargains’ outlet, in Leechmere Road, on May 7.

And he returned on June 5 to take meat and chocolates valued in total at £95.62, prosecutor Mariam Odetoro.

Hanratty struck for a third and final time two days later when he swiped a further £104.78 of toiletries and meat, bringing his total taken to £250.40.

Each time he took a bag with him for his stolen stash but hid his crimes by paying properly at the checkout for other goods.

Magistrates in South Tyneside heard he had served a prison term and then suffered the death of his mum, leaving him facing hard times.

Ms Odetoro said: “On each occasion, the defendant entered the store with a backpack or a bag. He took items and placed them into his bag.

“At the pay point, he would pay for some things and would have some things in the bag. He paid for some smaller things.

“There was some degree of planning because he entered the same store and used a bag to hide the items.

“He has 26 thefts or kindred on his record and was last before a court for theft matters in September 2024.”

Hanratty pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a shop.

Heather Bolton, defending, said: “When you look at Mr Hanratty’s history, there was a time when he did frequent the court often.

“There was a lengthy custodial sentence and then his court appearances have lessened.

“He has two children. His mum passed away. He got himself into some financial difficulties and took the decision to steal.

“He has managed to rectify his finances. Previously, he had issues with drugs, but he no longer does.”

Magistrates told Hanratty they took cases of shoplifting seriously but had listened carefully to his solicitor’s mitigation.

They ordered him to pay full compensation and fined him £120, with £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.