Jail term for notorious Chorley thief and burglar
A burglar who went into the private area of a shop and stole a shop worker’s possessions has been jailed for 15 months.
Preston Crown Court was told defendant Philip Lewis had been experiencing problems with his mental health because hadn’t taken his medication.
Lewis, a known shoplifter in Chorley, immediately raised suspicions among staff when he walked into Discount Cards in the town centre on October 14 last year.
Prosecutors said when they checked CCTV they discovered the 44-year-old had gone into the back and helped himself to a purse and mobile phone from a handbag.
Police arrested him a short time after he left the store, with the victim’s belongings returned to her.
Lewis, of Hollinshead Street, Chorley, appeared from HMP Preston via video link, and pleaded guilty to burglary.
He also admitted three thefts from B&Q a few days earlier, as well as possessing a class B drug.
The court was told he stole two Stanley drills worth £200 on October 3 last year, and returned twice the following day, each time stealing the same brands.
After his arrest Lewis was taken to hospital and he handed over a small amount of cannabis to officers.