Shoplifting Birkenhead pensioner in court for 187th offence

Jan 8 2009 By Katie Grant

A BIRKENHEAD pensioner was caught trying to shoplift at a shopping precinct in Southport.

North Sefton Magistrates’ court heard on Monday how the offence was number 187 of "many years of offending".

George Robert Chappel, 74, was seen trying to scratch off the label on a Hugo Boss gift set in Boots.

Chappel pleaded guilty to attempted theft in Southport and also attempted theft at Boots in Chester – where he tried to steal handcream.

Angela Conlan, prosecuting, said Chappel was in Boots in Central 12 shopping precinct on December 16 at about 1.40pm.

The pensioner was seen using a key to scratch off the security tag on the box. When he realised he was being watched he hid the box at the back of a display.

He was arrested and fully admitted the offence to police officers, saying he had intended to steal the goods.

Five days later he was arrested for a very similar offence in which he tried to steal handcream in a Boots in Chester.

When asked by police why he was stealing the anti-wrinkle cream he told them it was for his daughter.

Mr Rory McCormack, defending, said Chappel was preparing to steal the products but did not succeed.

He said it was a shame that a man of his age was still shoplifting.

Chappel told Mr McCormack he was short of money at the time and was a lonely individual.

Magistrates fined Chappel, of Patricia Avenue, Birkenhead, for both matters and he was ordered to pay a total of £210 including a £15 victim surcharge.

He will pay £5 a week from his pension.