Shoplifter Stole Again Just Days After Walking Free From Court

A prolific shoplifter from Illogan is now behind bars after reoffending just ten days after being handed a suspended sentence.

Paul Restall, 49, of Harrison Gardens, had been given an eight-week suspended sentence on 16th February this year following four shoplifting offences and a breach of his criminal behaviour order. Within days, he was at it again.

Restall appeared at Truro Magistrates Court on Tuesday 14th April, where he admitted stealing from a Co-op in St Ives on 26th February and a Tesco in Penzance on 28th February. He has now been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison.

What is a suspended sentence?

Suspended prison sentences are served in the community rather than behind bars. However, if a convicted offender breaks the conditions of their suspended sentence, they can be recalled to prison.

In Paul’s case, the court wasted little time in doing exactly that.

Police reaction

PS John Scrimgeour, who heads up the local policing team in Penzance, said: “Suspended sentences provide convicted offenders an opportunity to step away from their pattern of criminal behaviour. In this case, Restall continued to steal from shops seemingly without any care around the impact that his shoplifting was having on local shops or their employees.”

He added: “We take business crime seriously and will continue work with retailers to target prolific offenders to disrupt, deter and prevent theft from taking place.”

Report a crime

If you have information about crime in your area, you can report it online via the Devon & Cornwall Police website. Alternatively, call the non-emergency line on 101.

To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers, the independent UK charity that takes crime information anonymously.