A shoplifter who threatened a store detective after being caught stealing has walked free from court despite being branded a menace to the community by magistrates.
Although chairman of the bench Stephen Blanchard said they expected to see Paul Dobson before the court again, they put him back on a probation order even though he did not attend on his last one imposed six weeks ago.
Dobson was put on the one year order in July after he admitted two counts of theft and breaching a conditional discharge for common assault. But within two weeks he had been thrown off the order for not turning up at appointments.
The court heard that the 26-year-old had been caught at Asda Wal-Mart in Abbey Meads on May 28 stealing two DVD players worth £296.98.
Dobson, of Radstock Avenue, pleaded guilty to theft and disorderly conduct and admitted breaching a probation order.
Mr Blanchard revoked the old probation order and imposed a new one year order.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article