A 45-year-old man from New Milton has been ordered to pay more than £700 in compensation and excluded from two stores after pleading guilty to seven shopliftings. 

James Dempsey, of no fixed abode, was sentenced when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 11 June.

It follows seven thefts from two New Milton stores – One Stop on Christchurch Road and Aldi on Starling Road.

The incidents occurred between Wednesday 12 February and Monday 9 June.

Dempsey must pay £743.54 in compensation and is not permitted to enter either store for 15 months. He is also now subject to a community order and a rehabilitation activity requirement.

PC Tom Jelly, of New Milton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This should serve as another reminder that we are determined to protect our local businesses and bring offenders before the courts.

“We won’t tolerate shoplifting in New Milton and the New Forest and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure we do everything in our power to make sure sure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

“The two stores in question here will receive compensation for their losses and will be afforded ongoing protection from Dempsey.”

If you are a business owner or staff member, please continue to report any shopliftings to us.

You can do this by calling 101, or by reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, below;

Report a crime | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or via the below link;

Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers