Twelve week sentence for prolific shoplifter

Nathan Boughton – a 33 year-old scaffolder - targeted the Asda store in Brighton stealing a range of goods over a period of months

Because he has an “appalling record of previous convictions” according to the magistrate hearing the case he was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence and a six month drug rehabilitation order.

Having targeted an Asda in Hailsham last year in January this year he stole goods worth £342 from Asda in Hollingbury. The next day he stole a further £126 worth of goods from Asda in Brighton Marina.

Three years earlier, just days after being released from prison, he was involved in a scuffle with security guards and police at the Lidl store in Eastern Road after staff spotted him attempting to steal meat. He resisted arrest and was threatened with s Taser before he gave up. During 2018 and 2019 he stole from Marks & Spencer, Aldi and Sainsbury’s.

Despite his considerable criminal record his 12 week prison sentence was suspended.