A prolific shoplifter with almost 300 previous convictions went on another stealing spree just days after being given a chance to go straight.
Neil Ganjel was given a community order in April this year for 14 shop thefts but the continued to repeatedly target stores. He has now been jailed after admitting a further 19 offences of theft and two attempted thefts.
Newcastle Crown Court heard he stole a range of items, including cosmetics and food, from shops including Sainsbury's, Boots, the Co-op and Tesco. Of his 295 previous convictions, 191 of them were for thefts, between 2005 and 2022.
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Sentencing him, Recorder Anthony Dunne said: "You are a prolific shoplifter." Ganjel had been jailed for 16 weeks last year for five offences of shop theft but in April this year magistrates gave him a community order for a further 14 offences and one of common assault.
The judge said: "The magistrates were persuaded to give you an opportunity on that occasion and you were given a community order with an unpaid work requirement. Within two weeks of receiving that sentence you were committing shoplifting offences again.
"On any view you failed to take advantage of the opportunity you were given by the magistrates. I hear that you want to deal with your issues but unfortunately the evidence of the last four months doesn't give any confidence you could or would abide by any opportunity to stay away from offending."
Ganjel, 33, of Graingerville North, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to 19 thefts and two attempted thefts and was jailed for 30 weeks.
Stuart Graham, defending, said: "Maybe he is getting to an age where he offends less. He comes from a good family. Chronic gambling and drinking was his downfall in the early days."
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