A SUNDERLAND man who bought a failing window cleaning round went on a crime spree in the Lake District to make ends meet.
Hugh Clinton fell behind with his rent and got into other debt, Sunderland Magistrates’ Court heard.
“There are seven offences of simple shoplifting,” said Paul Anderson, prosecuting.
“These happened in Kendal, Windermere, and Ambleside over a period of a few days.
“Among the items taken were decorative candles, clothing, and things used by dog owners.”
Clinton, 51, of Gillingham Road, Grindon, admitted seven charges of theft in August of this year.
Joanne Gatens, defending, said: “He bought a window cleaning round which was not doing as well as the seller said it was.
“This led him into financial difficulties with his rent and other matters.
“In desperation, he turned to shop theft to make ends meet.
“This was one-off offending and he is embarrassed and ashamed about it.”
Clinton was sentenced to 120 hours of community work, and ordered to pay £275 in compensation and costs.
From 2014.
Far-Right Criminals 