A repeat shoplifter who targeted stores for sweets and chocolate has been jailed for a year after repeatedly breaching a court order banning him from local shops.
Aaron Kelly, 36, of Eddleston Drive in Nottingham, was sentenced to 52 weeks in prison at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on November 24.
Police said Kelly stole from shops across south Nottingham and West Bridgford throughout October and November, despite being banned from entering them under a Criminal Behaviour Order imposed in November 2024.
Officers linked him to 16 shop thefts, most involving confectionery and other small items.
He was also charged with 11 breaches of the order, threatening behaviour, possession of heroin, and two counts of possessing a Class B drug.
Kelly pleaded guilty to all offences at his hearing.
Credit – Nottinghamshire Police
Inspector Steve Dalby, of Nottinghamshire Police, said Kelly’s “relentless offending” had caused ongoing problems for local businesses.
He said: “This kind of persistent behaviour has a real impact on local shops and the people who work in them. They should not have to face the same individual stealing from them week after week.”
He added: “We work hard to support prolific offenders to break their cycle of criminality, but if they don’t engage with that support and continue to offend, we will keep on locking them up.”
Dalby said the sentence would provide “some respite” to shop staff and the wider community.
Police hope the jail term will help deter further shoplifting in the area.
