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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Stephanie Finnegan

Burglar smashed his way into Leeds Lidl store to steal alcohol

A burglar caused £6,000 of damage when he smashed his way into a Lidl store in Leeds and stole three bottles of brandy.

Aaron Thompson threw bricks through the entrance doors at the store in Selby Road, Halton, Leeds, during the raid on October 6 this year.

Leeds Crown Court heard the 29-year-old also stole booze on two occasions from a Sainsbury's store and coats from Matalan.

Martin Robertshaw, prosecuting, said Thompson used bricks to smash the glass on the doors in the Lidl store.

He was identified as the culprit when his DNA was recovered from the scene.

Mr Robertshaw said Thompson stole £116 worth of alcohol from Sainsbury's, in Colton, on August 24. 

Security cameras captured him running out of the fire doors without paying.

Thompson returned to the same store four days later and ran off with £215 worth of spirits.

The defendant also stole three coats worth £66 from Matalan, Selby Road, on September 17.

Thompson handed himself in over the theft offences after his picture was released as part of a Crimestoppers appeal. 

He then committed the burglary after being released on bail.

Thompson, of Ullswater Crescent, Halton Moor, Leeds, pleaded guilty to burglary and three offences of theft.

Martin Morrow, mitigating, said his client used to be addicted to cocaine but replaced his drug addiction with an alcohol addiction.

He added that Thompson had committed the offences after suffering family bereavements.

Thompson was jailed for 10 months.

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