St Helens thief given suspended sentence after stealing spree

Ian Wilde, 39, of Gladstone Street, West Park, appeared before Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 22, where he was sentenced for multiple counts of shop theft.

The offences took place between June and August 2026 and targeted stores including M&S, Home Bargains, The Range, Spar, Aldi, and the Nike store.

On July 1, Wilde stole £168.40 worth of meat products from M&S at Ravenhead Retail Park, followed by the theft of £19.98 of laundry products from Home Bargains the next day.

He also took two bottles of water and four packs of Lenor Scent Beads valued at £33.16 from The Range on June 23.

Further offences included the theft of £42 worth of goods from Spar on June 12, and £321 worth of items from Aldi on June 16.

Most recently, on August 7, Wilde stole a pair of Nike trainers worth £82.99 from the Nike store in St Helens.

Due to the volume of offences and his previous convictions, magistrates said that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

However, Wilde's 18-week prison term was suspended for 12 months under the statutory presumption of suspension.

During the hearing, the court ordered Wilde to complete a non-residential drug rehabilitation programme under the supervision of a nominated officer, with a requirement to provide samples for nine months.

He must also comply with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 35 days, which will involve attending appointments and participating in activities as directed by his responsible officer.

Wilde was ordered to pay compensation sums.

His guilty pleas to the theft offences were taken into account during sentencing.