A man who had just been released from prison is back behind bars after he stole booze and building materials to fund his alcohol addiction.
Aaron Horner was recalled on licence after his arrest for shoplifting on December 1 and was given a further eight weeks in custody when he appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.
The 30-year-old admitted stealing £11 worth of booze from a Sainsbury’s Local in Ferryhill as well as £450 worth of building material from inside the shared accommodation where he was living.
Paul Doney, prosecuting, said Horner was caught on CCTV as he stole roofing felt, lead flashings, nails, screws and sealant.
He told the court that the defendant has recently been released on licence from a short custodial sentence imposed on October 13 when he committed the offences.
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Horner, of Durham Road, Ferryhill, pleaded guilty to theft of alcohol and the theft of the building material on December 1.
Ben Pegman, mitigating, said: “He wasn’t trespassing when he stole the building materials, he was entitled to be there but clearly not entitled to take the goods.
“It is disappointing that Mr Horner finds himself back before the court but he has stolen the items to purchase alcohol.”
Professor Ian Neal, the chairman of the bench, sentenced Horner to eight weeks in custody and ordered him to pay £450 in compensation to the builder and £11 to Sainsbury’s.
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