Stealing £16 bottle of Campari from Tesco costs shoplifter £250

A bottle of spirits cost a man £250 after he was caught stealing it from a shop.
William Burlinson stole a bottle of Campari from Tesco at Roker.William Burlinson stole a bottle of Campari from Tesco at Roker.
William Burlinson stole a bottle of Campari from Tesco at Roker.

William Burlinson stole the £16 bottle of Campari from Tesco under the cover of paying for other drink, Sunderland Magistrates’ Court heard.

“The theft happened at the Tesco store in Roker,” said Laura Johnson, prosecuting.

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“Burlinson was seen to pick up the bottle of Campari, remove its security tag, and put the bottle into a McDonald’s bag he was carrying.

“He and a female companion left the store together.

“They paid for some Budweiser beer, but Burlinson made no attempt to pay for the Campari.

“Police were called, and there was a scuffle before he could be arrested.”

Burlinson, 29, of Okehampton Square, Southwick, Sunderland, admitted theft and obstructing a police officer, both on January 29.

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Gerry Scott, defending, said in mitigation: “This was drunken foolishness.

“Mr Burlinson does have a record, but his life has settled down in the last few years.

“The probation service confirm he is doing well on his existing order.”

District Judge Roger Elsey ordered Burlinson to pay £250 in fines and costs.

The judge told him: “That was an expensive bottle of spirits.

“You should realise you need to pay for whatever drink you want to consume.”