Patrick Brunt, a 35-year-old unemployed man from Stafford, has admitted stealing £80 worth of alcohol from a local SPAR store during a three-day spree in July. Appearing at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Brunt pleaded guilty to theft after swiping bottles of vodka and crates of beer between July 14 and July 16.
The court heard that Brunt, of Milton Grove, Stafford, targeted the SPAR on Cape Avenue multiple times, even returning several times on the same day. The thefts were described as a series of unsophisticated shop thefts, with little attempt to evade detection.
Details of the thefts
Prosecutor Alisha Collins outlined the sequence of offences to the court. On July 14, Brunt stole two bottles of vodka worth around £30. The following day, he returned to steal another bottle of vodka valued at £25. Later that same day, he came back to take a 10-pack of beer bottles worth £12.50. On July 16, he completed his spree by stealing another crate of beer bottles, also worth £12.50.
The total value of the stolen goods was £80. The court heard that Brunt had not previously offended in a significant way, with his last conviction being a driving offence in 2015.
Mitigation and rehabilitation
Mark Holder, mitigating, told the court that Brunt has addressed the root cause of his offending. He explained that Brunt became dependent on alcohol, which led to the thefts. The shop was located down the road from his house, and he stole simply to fuel his alcohol use.
“This is a very straightforward case. Mr Brunt has not really offended before. His last conviction was for a driving offence in 2015. But he became dependent on alcohol, which led to this offending,” Holder said. “As it has been pointed out, these were not sophisticated shoplifting attempts. He simply stole from a shop down the road from his house to fuel his alcohol use. There was little attempt to evade detection.”
Holder added that Brunt has since stopped drinking and begun working with support services. He has started taking medication to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Sentence and costs
Brunt was ordered to pay £241 in costs, which includes £100 in compensation for the SPAR. He will pay the amount through £20 monthly deductions from his benefits.
The case concludes with Brunt facing financial penalties but having taken steps toward rehabilitation, including engaging with support services and addressing his alcohol dependency.
