Suspended sentence for prolific offender who stole £1.3k in cigarettes from Bargain Booze

A prolific offender described as having an "appalling record" has avoided immediate custody after stealing a large quantity of cigarettes from a Rhyl convenience store. John Fannon, 36, of Liverpool, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Mold Crown Court.

The Theft

Fannon targeted the Bargain Booze store located on Vale Road in Rhyl, successfully stealing £1,310 worth of cigarettes. During court proceedings, the defense conceded Fannon's extensive criminal history, which includes 64 previous convictions for 129 offences, 88 of which were for theft-related crimes.

Sentence and Rehabilitation

Fannon was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months. The court also ordered him to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity, participate in an accredited program, pay a statutory surcharge, and pay £750 in compensation to the affected business.