Prolific shoplifter jailed for Ellesmere Port offences

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed following multiple offences in Ellesmere Port.

Matthew Hodson appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 28th July where he pleaded guilty to four counts of shoplifting and four counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

The 39-year-old of Whitby Road in Ellesmere Port, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison.

The court heard how Hodson had earlier appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 14 July, where he had been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for one year, and handed a five-year-CBO for a number of offences in Northwich, including shoplifting.

Despite the sentencing, just five days later, on Sunday 19th July, he travelled to Asda in Ellesmere Port where he stole more than £190 worth of alcohol and also breached his CBO by concealing items in a bag while in the store.

Hodson then went on to commit three similar offences at the same store, twice on Monday 20th July and finally on Friday 24th July. On each occasion he stole large quantities of alcohol and breached his CBO by concealing items in bags.

The total value if the items stolen during the four incidents was £516.50.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable Jenna Tapley, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing unit, said:

“Hodson is a prolific offender and despite multiple interventions by both the police and the courts to curb his behaviour, he continues to offend.

“During his latest crime spree, he thought that he’d be able continue his shoplifting spree by moving from Northwich to Ellesmere Port.

“However, he seriously underestimated the dedication of the team here at Cheshire Police and he’s now behind bars.

“I hope his sentencing provides reassurance to local businesses, demonstrating that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle shoplifting in Ellesmere Port.”

Pictured - Matthew Hodson of Whitby Road in Ellesmere Port.