‘Winston Churchill’ spared jail after cheese theft

A PROLIFIC thief called Winston Churchill has been spared jail – after he admitted stealing cheese.

By The Newsroom Tuesday, 17th March 2015, 11:06 am

The prolific thief shares a name with wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill. Picture: PA

The 49-year-old has a staggering 232 previous convictions.

His criminal record dates back to 1979 and includes 115 convictions for theft and dishonesty.

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On Monday he was hauled before Nottingham Magistrates Court charged with stealing three packs of Pilgrim Choice cheese worth £7.50.

Churchill admitted pinching the cheese from a Nisa store in Sherwood, Nottinghamshire on January 3 after he was caught on the shop’s CCTV.

He was handed a six-month conditional discharge.

Colin Doyle, defending, admitted his client had an “horrendous” record.

He said: “He had just been released from prison and had slept rough. He stole the cheese to be able to sell on to put towards paying for a bed and breakfast for the night.”

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