Man, 60, given suspended prison sentence for shoplifting from M&S in Bishop’s Stortford on New Year’s Eve

A shoplifter who targeted Bishop’s Stortford’s Marks & Spencer store on New Year’s Eve has been given a suspended prison sentence.

David Oakes, 60, of no fixed address in Southend, appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on New Year’s Day, when he pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

He was given a four-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £40 costs.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said that the theft happened shortly after midday on December 31.

Oakes entered the South Street store, put items in a bag and left. Staff were alerted and he was detained in nearby Riverside until police arrived. The stolen items were recovered.