A prolific shoplifter will spend Christmas behind bars after stealing candles, pastries and drinks from a Hartlepool shop.

Stephen Sparrow, 39, was arrested by police after reports he stole a number of items from a shop on Catcote Road in Hartlepool on November 13 including two candles, two pastries and two drinks.

He was later charged with theft from a shop and remanded in custody.

Sparrow, previously of Coatham Road most recently of Stockton, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Friday (November 28) when he was jailed for six months.

Sergeant Chris Williams, from Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “Sparrow is a prolific shoplifter and criminal who will now be spending Christmas behind bars.

“On this day, he walked into the store and picked up the items before brazenl

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