A shoplifter has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to the theft of more than £800-worth of items – the latest in a string of 175 offences.
Howard Lawrence, 56, from Leicester appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court on Tuesday after being arrested for a theft from the River Island store in Mansfield’s Four Seasons Shopping Centre on February 15.
He stole from River Island, JD Sports and Holland and Barrett’s and more stolen goods were found in his car.
Sergeant Colin Kirkup from Nottinghamshire Police said: “Howard Lawrence has a horrendous history of offending, amounting to 80 convictions taking in 175 offences in the last 40 years.
Picked the wrong town
“On this occasion, he picked the wrong town and thanks to the fast actions of affected businesses and agencies in Mansfield town centre, he has found himself facing prison for a substantial amount of time.”
He was also disqualified from driving after he pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
Lawrence was arrested alongside his partner Tammy Mclean, 20, of the same address who has been charged with three counts of shoplifting.
She has been released on bail to appear at Mansfield Magistrates Court at a later date.
