A THIEF has been banned from a city's main shopping centres after a series of convictions for shoplifting and threatening behaviour towards a shop worker.

Samuel Metcalf, 35, who is now the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) is banned from setting foot in The Bridges Shopping Centre, Hylton Riverside Retail Park, Roker Retail Park and Pallion Retail Park, until 2021.

Metcalf received the two-year order after being charged with a theft from a supermarket on Roker Retail Park. He picked up a box of Lego on the evening of December 19, 2018, and left the shop without payment. Metcalf was jailed for six weeks and handed the CBO which came into effect immediately.

Metcalf appealed against the terms of the CBO, but his application was dismissed by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Metcalf, of Norfolk Street, Sunderland, has had four shoplifting convictions since August 2018 and was also convicted of a public order offence after becoming aggressive and threatening a shop worker when confronted about his behaviour.

"He is now no longer permitted to enter any of the city’s prime shopping outlets until 2021, and faces prison if he fails to comply or ignores any of the order’s strict conditions.

"Metcalf must also leave any other shop or commercial premises if asked by staff."

Inspector Stephen Prested, of Northumbria Police, said: “Samuel Metcalf is a prolific offender who not only steals from businesses but also threatens and abuses staff in an aggressive manner when his criminality is exposed.

“Shoplifting is increasingly being dealt with by security at the shops themselves, but this order shows that we will still take robust action against those who persistently reoffend and show a total disregard to those who live and work in the city.

“By putting strict restrictions on Metcalf, we can effectively restrict his behaviour and protect our local businesses from a loss of income.

“If we do find that Metcalf has ignored the conditions of this order, we will not hesitate to arrest him and put him back in front of the courts, who will then have greater powers to deal with him.

“We would ask the public to let us know if you do see Metcalf up to his old tricks, and then he could face a custodial sentence.”

If you see Metcalf in any of the premises above, please contact police on 101 quoting reference 0486361.