17-05-2025
Caerphilly shoplifter targets Morrisons to steal vodka
Shay Pitman, 21, is a menace at Morrisons in Caerphilly, Newport Crown Court heard.
He was being sentenced for two thefts at the store two months ago.
The first offence took place on March 21 when he pinched a £19.50 bottle of Smirnoff vodka.
The second incident happened a week later on March 28 when he took a bottle of Glenmorangie whisky, two bottles of Smirnoff and a bottle of Glen's Vodka which were worth £87.
Emma Meadows, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant made no attempt to pay for the items.'
Pitman was recognised immediately when police officers studied CCTV footage of the thefts.
The defendant had been accompanied by a woman during the second offence who had provided a pink bag for him to carry the spirits.
He was also being sentenced for a third shoplifting incident when he pinched coffee valued at £4 from Iceland in Caerphilly on April 14.
The total value of the goods taken was £110.50.
'When he was arrested and interviewed, the defendant admitted all the three offences,' Miss Meadows added.
'He explained he had stolen the items in the first two offences after planning to sell them in Lansbury Park.'
Victim impact statements were provided to the court.
Lewis Duke from Morrisons said: 'This shoplifter is a prolific offender who targets us to steal high value spirits.'
He added: "We can't stop him without police assistance.'
Rhys Williams from Iceland said: 'Incidents like this take away employees from the shopfloor and from our customers.'
Shoplifting, he revealed, results in reduced profits and the knock-on effect of staff hours having to be reduced to compensate.
Pitman, formerly of Dol Yr Eos, Mornington Meadows, Caerphilly pleaded guilty to three counts of theft.
He committed the offences while he was the subject of a suspended custodial sentence for burglary with intent.
That jail sentence was activated last month and he appeared in court via video link from prison.
Abigail Jackson representing Pitman said he was homeless and had been sleeping in a shed.
Judge Carl Harrison jailed the defendant for four weeks which will be served consecutively to his current prison term.
Pitman will also have to pay a £154 victim surcharge following his release.
