A prolific shoplifter was back up to his crooked ways just hours after being released by a court for similar offending.
Timothy Walker appeared before magistrates on November 9 this year to plead guilty to a sting of theft offences and was bailed for the preparation of a Pre-Sentence Report.
However, less than a day later, the 38-year-old proved he wasn't willing to keep his nose clean and went on to target seven more stores.
A court heard that Walker helped himself to hundred-of-pounds-worth of toiletries, chocolate, air fresheners, bottles of laundry liquid, baby milk and food belonging to B & M, Boots, the Co-op, Asda and Heron Foods, all in North Shields.
And, on one occasion on November 16, he even had the audacity to be abusive to shop staff when he was caught-in-the-act.
Now, Walker, of Rudyard Street, North Shields, has been given yet another chance after he was once again bailed for the preparation of the Pre-Sentence Report, having pleaded guilty to seven shop thefts and a public order offence.
Paul Anderson, prosecuting at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court, said Walker's latest string of offences spanned from November 10 to November 16 this year.
"The defendant was before the court on November 9 and the case has gone off for the preparation of a report," Mr Anderson added. "That report was due back on November 25.
"You can see that you're dealing with more dishonesty offences, all committed while on bail.
"Does the defendant take the advice of the court on November 9 and keep his nose clean in the hope Probation can offer him assistance? No, he just went out the next day and starts offending."
The court heard that the majority of Walker's thefts happened at the stores in or near the Beacon Shopping Centre, in North Shields.
Alanna Wesencraft, defending, said Walker had committed low-level shoplifting because of his issues with drugs.
"In the past, Mr Walker has been employed and led quite a healthy lifestyle," the solicitor continued. "He was a big lad, who clearly went to the gym and worked out.
"I can now see him wasting away before my eyes because of drugs and it's quite disheartening. He does need help."
Magistrates released Walker on conditional bail until November 25, when he will be sentenced back at the same court.
In the meantime, he was banned from entering Boots, B & M, the Co-op, Asda, Heron Foods and the Beacon Centre.
Walker was also given a daytime curfew, where he must remain indoors in his home between 7am and 8pm.
