Serial shoplifter imprisoned for 16 weeks

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A man was jailed for 16 weeks for shoplifting offences in Kings Lynn.

Donatas Sakalauskas, 37, of Purfleet Street, Kings Lynn, appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court today (15th March), after being caught taking numerous bottles of wine worth a total of £87.75 on March 12 and 14.

Police were called to Morrison's in Kings Lynn on the 12th March after Sakalauskas stole wine worth £55. Two days later he was caught again in Sainsbury’s in Kings Lynn stealing 6 bottles of wine worth £32.75.

Sakalauskas admitted to both offences when caught, and also said he was “very drunk” when carrying out the crimes. In court, he pleaded with the Magistrates and said he was “very sorry” and asked for “one last chance.”

The court heard that Sakalauskashad previously been convicted of sexual assault and shoplifting, and the latest offences breached the terms of his suspended sentence.

Mr Rutherford, the probation officer present in court, insisted that these alcohol-fuelled shoplifting offences were nothing to do with addiction, but that Sakalauskas “resorts” to these crimes when he is “bored or frustrated… it’s his choice.” He added that the defendant should “dwell” on his crimes while in prison.

Mr Cole, defending, argued that prison will “not make any difference” to his client’srelationship with alcohol and will also mean he will lose his employment in the factory where he works. He saidSakalasuskaswould not be able to support his 8-year-old daughter if he lost his job.

As well as the 16 weeks imprisonment, he was fined £128 as a victim surcharge, and will be the subject of a supervision order of 12 months after his release from prison.