Shoplifter Mason Cartwright, 24, previously admitted a total of 11 theft offences between June and September this year.
He was jailed for 26 weeks at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 3, though he was told his sentence would be suspended for 18 months.
Cartwright, of Lon Pinwydd, Newtown, stole items like alcopops, meat, frozen chicken strips and milkshakes from Iceland, Spar and Bradleys Garage, in Newtown, in a spree that took place between June 16 and September 12.
He also entered a guilty plea to a 12th charge, of threatening behaviour, in High Street, Newtown, on June 17.
Cartwright’s thefts amounted to more than £300 and the court heard this week that his offending had had a big impact on the businesses, as well as staff at the stores.
“He entered these stores on multiple occasions and stole items,” said prosecutor Helen Tench.
“He was identified by staff and police officers.”
She said the total losses included £102 to Spar, £180 to Iceland and £58 to Bradleys.
“When he was in Iceland, he told staff to ‘f**k off’, called them names and warned them ‘not to be brave’,” said Mrs Tench.
“It had a big impact on staff. It also has had an impact on the stores, despite being small amounts.”
She said Cartwright, who appeared at the hearing via videolink, had been remanded into custody in October following a further offence at Iceland, and because he had failed to attend a previous court hearing.
Rob Hanratty, representing him, said: “Clearly, there were a significant number of incidents.
“There have been others over a number of years. He received a suspended sentence in 2024 for shoplifting. This is associated with substance abuse.
“He suffers with ADHD and has worked with the community mental health team. He is very lively and finds it difficult to sit still when you talk with him.
“He doesn’t think that much about the consequences of his actions. He is a troubled young man, but he would grasp any opportunity to work with probation.”
The 26-week prison term will be suspended for 18 months. Additionally, Cartwright will have to attend 26 sessions of an accredited programme, complete a probation order and undergo alcohol abstinence monitoring.
He must pay compensation of £58.10 to Bradleys, £102.50 to Spar and £260.10 to Iceland, but magistrates ordered no costs. He will also undertake a substance misuse awareness course for 24 months.
Magistrates also handed him a criminal behaviour order, to last for two years.
As part of this, Cartwright must not enter any Spar or Iceland store in the UK. He must not carry any items to facilitate shoplifting, such as tools; and he is not allowed to conceal goods (in clothing, for example) before purchase in any shop.