Serial shoplifter gets an Asbo

A DRUG addict shoplifter who threatened to stab a security guard with a dirty hypodermic needle has been given a five-year Asbo.

Marc Porter, of Speedwell Street, Oxford, was jailed for 20 weeks for stealing from three city shops and breaching the terms of a community order.

The 34-year-old admitted stealing food from the BP Express Garage in Woodstock Road on September 16, perfume worth £120 from Boots Chemist in Cornmarket Street on August 25 and food from Tesco Express at the Westway Shopping Centre store in Botley on August 1.

Under the terms of his Asbo, Porter is banned from going to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Co-op, or Marks & Spencer stores within the Oxford ring road area.

Crown Prosecution Service spokesman Jacqui Broadbridge said: “Porter is a one-man crime wave who is a nuisance and a persistent offender who cannot keep his hands in his pockets.

“He has now received a five-year Asbo preventing him from entering many of the shops in Oxford from which he stole. With any luck this will reduce opportunities for his offending.”

Porter has 12 previous convictions for shoplifting, one previous conviction for stealing from a car, using threatening behaviour and failing to attend a drugs test.

Welcoming the news of Porter’s Asbo, Mahabub Alam, a Tesco Express team leader at the Botley store, said: “We informed the police when we had problems with Mr Porter and the police investigated it.

“They did a good job and responded really quickly. Our staff are safe and happy now.”

Pc Mike Ellis, Oxford anti-social behaviour officer, said: “Porter is a prolific shoplifter, stealing higher value meat, alcohol, and perfume in order to support a drug habit.

“In some instances, Porter has used aggressive and intimidating behaviour when confronted by security officers and shop staff and has threatened to stab a security officer with a dirty hypodermic needle.

“The lengthy Asbo banning him from some of the stores he has stolen from in the past will give some protection to the staff of these stores from future intimidation and threats.

“The police, in partnership with the local authority will continue to deal robustly with this type of behaviour.”