Man in prison admits further shoplifting offences

A man who is currently serving 42 weeks in prison for shoplifting has been sentenced to serve an additional 14 weeks after being charged with further offences in Devon, police say.

Craig Sawyer, 51, appeared at Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court via video link on 12 March, where he pleaded guilty to an additional five counts of shoplifting.

The shoplifting offences took place in Boots stores in Torquay and Dartmouth and the estimated value of the goods stolen totalled about £8,000.

Sawyer, who is currently in prison, had previously been convicted and was charged with 16 counts of shoplifting in January 2025.

Insp James Rees, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "Sawyer had a clear pattern of behaviour. He would enter stores with the sole intention of stealing high-value items and attempt to resell them for a profit.

"He was intent on stealing as much as he could without detection.

"We're pleased to have been able to secure these additional charges for the offences committed in our county, sending a clear message that shoplifting will not be tolerated."

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