Serial Sunderland criminal with 273 CONVICTIONS back behind bars after Gucci perfume theft

Christopher Robinson, whose extensive criminal record includes 172 offences for theft and similar crimes, was on licence from an earlier prison sentence when he targeted two shops in Sunderland.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he visited Boots on October 26 last year, despite being barred from the store due to previous behaviour and stole four bottles of Gucci perfume, worth £240.

Then, on December 20, he went to a B&M store in the city and stole three projectors, worth a total of £270.

Prosecutor Andrew Walker told the court Robinson was caught on CCTV when he "smuggled" a projector out of the shop and into a nearby yard to collect later.

Mr Walker said: "The defendant did that three times."

The court head the offences were not detected on the days they were committed but Robinson was later identified as the culprit from the shop's camera footage.

Robinson, 35, of Aldershot Road, Sunderland, admitted two charges of theft.

Mr Recorder Ben Nolan QC sentenced him to three months behind bars.

The judge told him: "You are, as you no doubt recognise, a prolific shoplifter."

Nicholas Lane, defending, said Robinson admitted his guilt.

The court heard Robinson has been recalled to continue serving the previous prison sentence and could be behind bars until next year.