Stephen Bartram, 30, targeted the One Stop store in Throne Road, Rowley Regis, on three separate occasions within a two-week period, stealing chocolate and alcohol. He also stole items from a Sainsbury's petrol station in Oldbury. Bartram pleaded guilty to all four offences at Dudley Magistrates' Court on July 30, appearing via video link from HMP Stoke Heath.
Three raids on One Stop
Bartram's first theft occurred on February 19, when he stole Mini Eggs, Maltesers, and Galaxy chocolate, along with two cases of Budweiser. As he left the store with the items, worth £120.70, he told staff to 'get out of the f*****g way'.
Later that same day, he returned and stole more Maltesers, a display box of Cadbury Dairy Milk singles, and two four-packs of Carling. He placed the items, worth £48.60, in a bag and left the store.
Third theft and other offences
On March 4, Bartram targeted the store for a third time, stealing £122.80 worth of Easter eggs. Staff challenged him as he attempted to leave, causing some items to fall to the floor, where they were recovered.
One Stop was not his only target. On March 22, he stole three soft drinks and a tray of Red Bull, worth £92.75, from the Sainsbury's petrol station in Freeth Street, Oldbury.
Court outcome
The court heard that Bartram was serving a 52-week sentence and was due to be released at the end of August. He had been addicted to heroin and crack cocaine. He was given a compensation order, requiring him to pay £92.75 to Sainsbury's and £292.10 to One Stop.
