A prolific shoplifter who told a court he stole four steaks because he ‘needed food’ has been fined and ordered to pay back the Exeter supermarket.
A 38-year-old man with a long history of shoplifting has admitted stealing four steaks from a Sainsbury’s Local in Exeter, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Mark Oprey, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Exeter Magistrates’ Court to theft from a shop following the incident on February 12.
The court heard Oprey entered the Sainsbury’s store on Sidwell Street just before 6.30pm, selected four steaks worth £27, and concealed them inside his jacket. A member of staff challenged him, but Oprey walked out without paying.
Oprey has 56 previous convictions from 130 offences, including 63 thefts. He was already banned from the store due to an “extensive history” of shoplifting.
The defendant was on licence at the time, having recently been released from prison.
Mitigating, Oprey’s solicitor said he had experienced “a very difficult background” involving family issues, and that he was introduced to drugs at a young age.
She added that his drug use continued to cause him problems, and he had been offending since childhood.
At the time of the offence, Oprey had been hungry and “needed food, it’s as simple as that,” his solicitor said.
The chair of magistrates said: “Your offending record is appalling… You say you want help from probation, how serious are you? They are very stretched at the moment, there’s no point if you won’t engage.”
Oprey responded: “I won’t waste anyone’s time.”
Probation officer Anna Stimpson confirmed Oprey was already on licence. She said the latest offence did not meet the threshold for additional intervention, but he could self-refer if he genuinely wanted help.
The bench reminded him: “You’re on licence at the moment. You can self-refer to probation and they will get you assistance… We can’t help you, you have to help yourself, or else you are going to be in this position all the time.”
Oprey was fined £75 and ordered to pay £27 compensation to Sainsbury’s. No costs or surcharge were imposed.
