By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-28 11:46:26 | Updated at 2024-11-28 14:01:18
2 hours ago
A police officer was caught stealing steak and a block of cheese in a brazen Lidl shopping spree.
Christopher Spence, a constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, walked around the supermarket taking £30 worth of goods off the shelves and placed them in his rucksack.
The 44-year-old, who was off-duty at the time, then went to the self-checkout, however only paid for one item - a loaf of bread - before walking out.
He left the store without paying for a piece of steak, crisps, nuts, a block of cheese, two bottles of drink and four Easter treat bags.
A police officer was caught stealing over £30 worth of goods, including steak and a block of cheese, in a brazen Lidl shopping spree
Google Street View/Getty/Flickr
The 44-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of theft before Exeter Crown Court
PA
He added: “Ultimately the punishment in this case is the loss of your good name, the loss of dignity and ultimately, the loss of respect you’re going to suffer with colleagues, friends and associates.”
Defending the father of three, Warren Robinson said: “It’s a tragedy of his own making. He has thrown himself under the bus.”
He has been handed an 18-month community order, requiring him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Spence also must pay £300 towards prosecution costs within 12 months, as well as a victim surcharge and £30 compensation to the store.
Spence paid for one item (not pictured) before leaving the store with £30 of stolen goods
GETTY
After sentencing, Superintendent Toby Davies, Commander in North and West Devon, said: “We are deeply disappointed by the actions of Chris Spence, particularly given his neighbourhood role within the community.
“First and foremost, I want to assure our community that the action of one individual does not reflect the values or integrity of our local officers.
“We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of trust and confidence in the community we serve, and I would like to assure the public that such incidents are rare.
“This behaviour undermines all those officers who behave to the highest standards day in, day out, keeping our area safe.
“As we move forwards, we will continue to be open and transparent, and hold ourselves accountable, and we will work hard to ensure that the actions of one individual does not undermine the confidence and trust we have worked so hard to build.”
