A serial shoplifter has been jailed for nine and a half months after breaching an order imposed with a previous conviction.
Ryan Heathcote, 38, had been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Medway Magistrates Court on Wednesday 6 August 2025 with the condition Heathcote, from Gillingham, was not able to enter any retail premises with a bag.
But, on Saturday 8 November, he disobeyed this when he entered the Co-op in Twydall Green and walked through the shop, placing items in a carrier bag before leaving without attempting to pay. Security personnel stopped him and the items were recovered.
An investigation identified him as the offender and he was arrested on Monday 24 November. A search in custody recovered crack cocaine and heroin. Heathcote was charged after he admitted while in custody to the theft, breaching his order and possessing drugs.
Appearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 November, he was given a 38-week prison sentence and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a victim surcharge of £154.
Sergeant Paul Relf said:
‘Heathcote knew the restrictions imposed to restrict his offending and acted in blatant disregard to the court order.
‘This is a man who does not consider his actions, or the consequences of them. Our officers will ensure any further breaches on his release from prison will receive a swift and robust response.’