Man banned from shops in Ellesmere Port

A prolific shoplifter has been banned from several stores in Ellesmere Port after officers were successful in securing a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Brendan Fitzpatrick, of Forge Road, Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port, was handed the order at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 1 August.

As a result, the 52-year-old is required to comply with the following conditions:

• When entering any retail premises within Cheshire, he must not place any items within a carrier bag, rucksack, or any other article capable of concealing items prior to payment being made, unless said item is in a basket or trolley under the control of the store.
• Immediately leave premises when asked to do so by staff or security.
• Must not enter Tesco Express in Chester Road, Little Sutton.
• Must not enter Marks and Spencer in Cheshire Oaks, Stanney Woods Avenue, Ellesmere Port.

In addition, if Fitzpatrick fails to comply with the order, he will be committing a criminal offence which may result in a custodial sentence and/or a fine.

PC Lucy Hawkins said:

“Fitzpatrick is a prolific shoplifter who has 62 previous convictions for these types of offences; it is hoped that these robust conditions, that have been imposed by the court, will deter him and others from committing such offences in the future.

“I hope this result will provide reassurance to local businesses in the area, highlighting that we are doing all we can to tackle offending of this nature.”