Prolific shoplifter jailed for eight weeks

A ‘prolific’ shoplifter who had a court order banning him from entering shops in Sleaford has been jailed for eight weeks after repeatedly breaching it, as well as committing further thefts, according to Lincolnshire Police.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Oct 2023, 12:37 BST
Damian Eastgate. Photo: Lincs PoliceDamian Eastgate. Photo: Lincs Police
Damian Eastgate. Photo: Lincs Police

A Force spokesman said that Damian Eastgate, 42, of Almond Walk, Sleaford, had been a prolific shoplifter in Sleaford for several years, and his behaviour was having a negative impact on the shops and staff working in them, many of these being private small businesses.

They said: “Our Neighbourhood Policing Team successfully applied to Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on November 25, 2021 for a Criminal Behaviour Order to prevent Eastgate from entering any retail premises in Sleaford, with the exception of Wilsons newsagent and Aldi so that he could still carry out his normal food shopping. This was granted for three years.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However Eastgate then stole from Aldi, one of the only shops he was allowed to visit, and breached his CBO by entering other shops, and was arrested again.

Most Popular

A CBO is a civil order designed to tackle the most serious and persistent anti-social individuals where their behaviour has brought them before a criminal court. If the CBO is breached, this is a criminal offence and a custodial sentence can be enforced, or changes can made to the order.

The Force spokesman added: “The team collated and presented evidence to the court which enabled them to amend the CBO so he could no longer enter Aldi, to help prevent further offences being committed.

“Alongside this work, the local officers met with business owners to discuss the impact of the thefts and offer crime prevention advice, and they also worked closely with the town CCTV team at North Kesteven District Council, plus partners and support services at other agencies.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They went on: “Eastgate offended again earlier this month, committing thefts on October 5, 14 and 15, for which he appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, last Thursday (October 19).”

He was convicted of the three shop thefts and four breaches of his CBO due to entering prohibited shops, and was sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment.

“We keep a continued watch of people who we have issued CBOs for, in partnership with North Kesteven District Council, and we proactively release their image so that members of the community have the opportunity to stay clear of their offending, and are more able to report an incident if one occurs.”

Eastgate’s CBO will remain in place until November 24, 2024.