A mock up of Benson’s shirt (Picture: Metro Picture Desk)

A shoplifter nearly committed the perfect crime recently – the only hiccup being that he had his name written on the back of his shirt.

Paul Robert Benson, 24, was caught on CCTV stealing £104.54 worth of produce from a Tesco supermarket in Belfast.

Unfortunately Paul clearly forgot he was wearing a Manchester United shirt with ‘Benson 22’ printed on the back of it.

He made a quick getaway after realising he had been spotted by staff, however when police reviewed the CCTV footage they realised Benson had given them the best clue they could ask for.


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Benson was soon arrested and pleaded guilty to theft last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, berated Benson by saying he may as well have had a ‘neon sign’ identifying himself while committing the theft.

He was given a 12 month probation order.

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