Barrow man stole chocolate from B&M to support struggling family

A man who stole more than £60 worth of confectionery from a nationwide discount retailer to help support his struggling family has been sentenced by magistrates.
Patrick O’Shea appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on December 31, where he pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from a shop. The 49-year-old, of Meetings View, Barrow, admitted stealing items from B&M Bargains on November 11.
The court heard that O’Shea took 11 Crunchie bars worth £24.49, six Toblerone bars valued at £29.50, along with other chocolate items totalling £8.97. Prosecutor Peter Kelly told the court the total value of the stolen goods was £62.96.
In mitigation, defence solicitor Trystan Roberts said O’Shea had gone 15 years without committing any offences before a recent return to court. He explained that O’Shea had received a conditional discharge earlier in February for similar offending and was experiencing significant personal difficulties at the time of the theft.
Mr Roberts told magistrates that O’Shea’s family was struggling financially and that he had been attempting to support them despite having no fixed accommodation. He added that O’Shea, a bricklayer by trade, had been finding it difficult to secure housing and work, and at times had been searching through bins himself.
“He is offence-free when he is working and in a relationship,” Mr Roberts said, adding that O’Shea’s circumstances were likely to improve.
Magistrates sentenced O’Shea to a 12-month community order, which includes a requirement to complete 10 rehabilitation activity days. He was also fined £40 and ordered to pay £62.96 in compensation to the store.