Winston Wright, a 43-year-old serial shoplifter, is set to spend Easter behind bars following a shoplifting spree involving more than £190 worth of Easter chocolate from Sainsbury’s stores in Deptford and Creek Road last month.
Wright’s chocolate heist included dozens of Easter eggs and chocolate bars stolen just weeks before the holiday, causing concern among local retailers and shoppers.
On March 12, Wright stole two boxes of Easter chocolate bars valued at over £50 from the Sainsbury’s on Deptford High Street. Just two days later, on March 14, he targeted another Sainsbury’s store on Creek Road, stealing £70 worth of Easter eggs. Not finished, Wright returned to the Creek Road store on March 19 and took an additional £75 in chocolate bars.
Wright was arrested and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on March 25, where he pleaded guilty to all three theft offences. He also admitted to failing to provide a sample for a Class A drugs test, breaching the rules of the Drug Intervention Programme.
Originally scheduled for sentencing on April 5, Wright’s hearing was postponed to allow for a pre-sentence report. The new sentencing date is set for May 6. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Wright remains in custody over the Easter period.
The thefts have sparked outrage among local residents and retailers, who have expressed frustration over the rise in thefts of high-value seasonal items such as Easter chocolate. One Deptford shopper said, “It’s sad to see people stealing Easter eggs—it’s meant to be a time for families, not crime.”
The court will take into account Wright’s previous convictions and substance misuse issues when determining his sentence next month.
Originally published by UKNIP.
