A THIEF with a long-standing history of substance abuse and crime targeted Colchester shops to feed his drug addiction.

Mitchell Buttfield stole almost £130 in clothing from TK Maxx in Culver Square during a spree of offences he has now been punished for.

The 36-year-old also twice targeted a Co-op shop and was found to be in possession of cocaine by police officers in Colchester.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to 14 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months after he admitted all four offences.

The court heard Buffield’s latest spree of crimes began on January 24 when he stole a plethora of unknown items from a Colchester Co-op, which officers were unable to calculate a cost for.

Gazette: Action - Lexden councillor Martin Leatherdale praised the policeAction - Lexden councillor Martin Leatherdale praised the police

The next day he returned to steal £31.72 worth of ready meal items from the Co-op after believing he had got away with the previous day’s offence.

Months later, on May 2, Buffield was found to have stolen multiple items of clothing from TK Maxx, totalling £128.89 in value, before police officers found cocaine in his possession.

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A report compiled by magistrates stated his offences were serious but insisted there is a realistic chance of rehabilitation.

The report reads: “The defendant has a long standing history of drug use and acquisitive crime, and these offences are again committed to feed a drug addiction.

Gazette: Targeted - TK Maxx, Culver SquareTargeted - TK Maxx, Culver Square

“The court is prepared to suspend the operation of the custodial terms on the basis that provided the defendant complies with the community requirements, there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

Further to his suspended sentence, Buffield, of The Avenue, Lexden, was ordered to undertake drug rehabilitation for six months and participate in an accredited programme for 19 days.

He must also attend 15 days of a thinking skills rehabilitation scheme as further punishment and pay £273 in a surcharge and costs.

Lexden and Braiswick councillor Martin Leatherdale said: “We are fortunate to have a robust overt and covert security presence in Colchester; retailers collaborate and work closely with multiple agencies to nip this behaviour in the bud.

“I have worked closely with Essex Police on special operations throughout the town and be under no illusion, prolific offenders will get caught and held to account”.