Spalding shoplifter who stole £450-worth of goods from Poundland and Lidl given second chance as supporters ‘aware of what he can do off drugs’
A man who stole more than £450-worth of goods from two shops has been given a chance to get his life back on track.
Karlie Arnold fell back in with his ‘old friend’ heroin after the breakdown of a relationship, a court was told.
However, he is once again attempting to rebuild his life after being invited to lodge with his ex-partner’s parents, who are ‘aware of what he can do off drugs’.
The 34-year-old appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (April 24) charged with two thefts from Spalding’s Poundland and one from the town’s Lidl.
Arnold pleaded guilty to stealing £118.50-worth of items from Poundland on March 4, £274.50-worth of items from Poundland on March 7 and £59.94-worth of goods from Lidl on March 7.
He also admitted being in breach of a 12-month conditional discharge for theft, imposed on November 22 last year.
Prosecutor Turan Sunat explained that on both visits to Poundland Arnold filled a basket with toiletries and groceries ‘and left with no attempt to pay’.
He added that the defendant entered the nearby Lidl store ‘15 minutes or so’ after his second theft at Poundland, putting toiletries and chilled goods into a bag for life.
“He was intercepted by a store detective and items were recovered,” Mr Sunat explained.
Defending Arnold, Rebecca Freitas told the court Arnold began ‘stealing items to sell due to the fact his benefits were stopped’.
“You will see there is a gap in his offending between 2019 and 2023,” Mrs Freitas said.
“The defendant managed to get off drugs and find accommodation and employment.
“Everything was going well until the breakdown of a relationship.
“He decided to seek an old friend, and became addicted to heroin. He fell back into his old ways.”
Mrs Freitas explained Arnold is once again attempting to kick the drug and is back on a methadone prescription and again receiving universal credit.
“He has found housing at his ex-partner’s parents’ house in their spare room as they are aware what he can do off drugs’,” Mrs Freitas added.
“He is sorry and wants to publicly apologise to others involved.
“A fine gives him the motivation to get work.”
Arnold, of Hannam Boulevard, Spalding, was ordered to pay £393 in compensation to Poundland.
Chairman of the bench Elizabeth Bamford told Arnold the conditional discharge ‘would be allowed to run’, but if he found himself in court again he ‘can be facing imprisonment’.