Prolific shoplifter who stole more than £7,000 worth of perfume from two Northamptonshire Boots stores jailed

Richard Freeman, of no fixed address, appeared at Northampton Crown Court, was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on May 16, after he previously pleaded guilty to 17 shop thefts and a number of other offences.

The 41-year-old stole a large quantity of fragrances on five separate occasions from the Boots stores in Northampton and Brackley, totalling more than £7,700, according to Northamptonshire Police.

Between February and April this year, Freeman also targeted other stores across the county including stealing meat from the Co-op in Northampton, alcohol worth £544.75 from Tesco in Towcester and goods worth nearly £2000 from Morrisons in Northampton.

Police say on one occasion in April, he also pushed over a shop worker and broke her arm.

As well as 17 shop thefts, Freeman was charged with one attempted shop theft, grievous bodily harm, driving with no insurance, dangerous driving, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and failing to stop for police.

Retail Crime Officer - PC Kate Cayton, said: “Freeman’s persistent offending had a significant impact on local businesses and the wider community.

“His actions not only resulted in substantial financial losses but also caused real harm to a member of shop staff.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and demonstrates that repeat offenders who show disregard for others will be brought before the courts and held accountable.”

Freeman was sentenced to five years and six months in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for 30 months.