Christopher Stevenson

Christopher Stevenson, a 42-year-old man from Norwich with no fixed abode but previously residing on Lound Road, appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to 18 offences. These included 12 counts of shop theft committed between November and January, as well as six breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) that prohibited him from entering various retail premises across Norfolk.

Stevenson persistently targeted well-known stores in Norwich, brazenly stealing goods worth nearly £1,000. His thefts involved items such as chocolate, bottles of wine, meat, and even a stash of vinyl records. Specific incidents included multiple thefts from Co-Op branches on Dereham Road and Hall Road, Tesco on Dereham Road (where he stole £150 worth of chocolate), Sainsbury’s, and Urban Outfitters in Chantry Place. Several of these crimes occurred repeatedly, even on the same day, demonstrating a pattern of defiance against existing court bans.

The court heard from prosecutor Iqbal Kamal that Stevenson had a long criminal history, with almost 100 prior convictions for shop thefts. The recent offences were committed while he was on bail, and he was arrested for failing to attend a previous hearing. Additionally, Stevenson admitted to breaching sex offender notification requirements by failing to register his whereabouts with police, a violation tied to his ongoing status under sex offender registration.

In mitigation, Lucy Brakewell explained that Stevenson's actions were driven by long-standing issues including heroin addiction, homelessness, and mental health problems. She stated: “He doesn’t go out stealing for the hell of it - it is simply to fund a desperate lifestyle.” Addressing the magistrates directly, Stevenson remarked: “I’m not in a good place - I need help.”

Despite his circumstances, the magistrates imposed a custodial sentence of 12 months. They opted against ordering compensation for the stolen goods, considering his existing £4,000 in outstanding fines, which would take decades to repay. The case was reported by Simon Parkin, Crime Correspondent for the Eastern Daily Press, based on details from Norfolk Constabulary and court proceedings at Norwich Magistrates’ Court.