Carl Westfield jailed for Co-op shoplifting in Norwich

Carl Westfield, 46, of no fixed abode, appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with seven theft from shops, six breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), two of common assault and one of resisting arrest. 

Westfield was identified by CCTV stealing from various Co-op and Tesco stores around Norwich - most of which he was banned from entering under a two-year CBO issued on February 16. 

On May 13 he punched a store worker who challenged him and on May 19 he pushed a member of staff. 

He was jailed for eight months (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

He actively resisted arrest on May 21 and tried to escape. 

Westfield pleaded guilty to all charges and asked for six more offences to be considered by the court under Operation Converter. 

All six of these offences were thefts from shops - five of which took place between May 15 and May 20. 

He was jailed for eight months and the court noted his “flagrant disregard” for court orders, people and their property. 

Duncan Etchells, staff supervisor for Operation Converter, said: “Westfield is a prolific shoplifter who has returned again and again, day after day to the same stores to steal from the shelves and, when challenged, assault staff.

“Businesses have been greatly impacted by his offending.

“He has breached the order aimed at protecting shops and offended again.

"Because of this he has been arrested and brought before the courts once more."