A PERSISTANT shoplifter has been banned from shops across Northwich and Winsford after a spate of thefts.

Steven John Owen, of Victoria House, stole a variety of products from several stores, including Pringles from Lidl and coffee from Sainsbury’s.

The 52-year-old was appearing at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, May 23, where he was listed to go on trial for using threatening and abusive words against a person at Chester Way Retail Park.

However, Owen, who also uses the alias Gary Eagles, changed his plea to one of guilty on the day.

That incident had taken place on January 16 this year, when subjected a person to harassment causing them alarm and distress.

Owen had already pleaded guilty to four thefts between January and March this year.

In a bid to curb his behaviour, magistrates made him the subject of a comprehensive criminal behaviour order for the next five years, which includes a ban on him drinking alcohol in the street and entering retail premises in both towns.

Northwich Guardian: Owen has been banned from several stores around Northwich and WinsfordOwen has been banned from several stores around Northwich and Winsford

Owen is banned from entering the following shops:

  • Asda, Leicester Street, Northwich
  • Iceland, Witton Street, Northwich
  • Sainsbury’s, Venables Road, Northwich
  • Aldi, Leicester Street, Northwich
  • Waitrose, London Road, Northwich
  • Lidl, Chester Way, Northwich
  • B&M Chester Way, Northwich
  • B&M, Barons Quay
  • Home Bargains, Dingle Walk, Winsford

He was convicted of four thefts, including when targeting Sainsbury’s on two consecutive days (February 19 and 20) when stealing meat and vodka worth a total of £66.20.

The criminal behaviour order is dependant on Owen receiving help for his drug dependency.

Northwich Guardian: Owen was slapped with the order at Chester Magistrates CourtOwen was slapped with the order at Chester Magistrates Court

It also states he cannot incite others into engaging in anti-social behaviour in either Winsford or Northwich, not to be drunk in public and having to ask permission before entering any other shop that sells food or alcohol.

He must also leave any shop when asked to do so by a member of staff and cannot ask any member of the public for money.

Owen was also fined £50 and told to pay £100 compensation to the person he harassed in Northwich back in January.

Magistrates also imposed a two-year restraining order on Owen meaning he cannot contact the individual in any way whatsoever.