A prolific shoplifter has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after repeatedly committing theft in Crawley town centre, just one day after receiving a Community Order for previous offences.
Laurie Murphey, 34, of no fixed address, ignored a Community Protection Notice banning him from the town centre and continued a series of thefts across Crawley.
Murphey appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on November 18, where he admitted:
Eight counts of shop theft
Eight breaches of a Community Protection Notice
One count of obstructing a police officer
He was arrested by the Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) on November 17 and remanded to court.
Offending Continued Despite Court Order
The court heard that Murphey appeared on September 20 for shop theft offences and was issued a Community Order. Yet, just one day later, he returned to Peacocks in Queens Square, committing another theft. He continued offending throughout September and October, targeting stores including Sainsbury’s in Crawley Avenue, and repeatedly entering areas from which he was barred.
Police Response
Crawley District Commander, Chief Inspector Steve Turner, condemned Murphey’s behaviour and praised local officers for tackling persistent offenders.
“Our Neighbourhood Policing Team has worked closely with businesses in Crawley town centre to identify prolific offenders and gather evidence for prosecution,” Turner said.
“Murphey showed little regard for a court order requiring him to stay out of the town centre and County Oak Retail Park. We are pleased he was apprehended and is now serving a significant custodial sentence. We encourage the public to report incidents and will continue to work with businesses to combat shoplifting.”
