A NEWTOWN man who went on a £1,000 shoplifting spree over seven months has admitted a total of eight offences and will be sentenced later this month.

Benjamin Brindley, 39, stole food, alcohol, clothes, garden furniture, an air fryer, sheep clippers and even a vacuum cleaner from various shops in Newtown between December last year and June of this year.

At Welshpool Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday, August 27, Brindley, of Fern Square, admitted stealing items worth a combined £1,296.

Brindley’s crime wave began on December 18, 2023, when he stole a £229 Dyson vacuum from BJs Electrical.

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On April 3 he stole a £70 air fryer from Iceland; on April 6 he stole food and alcohol worth £23 from Bradleys Garage; on May 15 he stole an inflatable mattress worth £25 from the Waste Not shop; at Tesco on May 21 he stole £150 worth of garden furniture; he stole a man’s jacket and sheep clippers worth £590 from Wynnstay Stores on June 5; on June 16 he returned to Bradleys Garage and stole food items valued at £52.13; and a day later, on June 17, he stole a battery charger worth £156 from Morgans of Newtown.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said: “The theft spree was from December to June and saw the defendant take items totalling £1,296 from stores.

“There was a £229 hoover, of which he did pay back £80. There is just over £1,000 still outstanding.

“He has previous convictions and is in breach of a conditional discharge.”

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Owain Jones, defending Brindley, said: “A member of Powys County Council’s complex needs team has been helping the defendant.

“The issues surrounding these offences are complex and I would ask for a full report. Probation have noted that there are significant mental health issues.”

Magistrates adjourned the case for a report and Brindley is due to be sentenced on September 24.