Criminal banned from Swindon shops sent to prison

Christopher DeSantos, of Clive Parade, returned to Swindon Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced for his four most recent offences.

The 35-year-old stole £360 worth of electric razors from Asda on April 26, stole goods worth £300 from Vision Express on Regent Street on May 4, took property worth £120 £ to HMV on 7 May and left B&M Bargains on 26 April. May 9 without paying for items worth £350.

Following his previous hearing on May 13, he was banned from all betting shops in the city as well as all retailers other than the Premier Store near his home.

DeSantos used to steal to fund a Class A drug addiction, but was now clean, although he had since developed a gambling problem.

The defendant also changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in relation to the beating of a woman in the Vision Express on Regent Street on May 4, 2024, and must pay her £100 in compensation.

He was jailed for 16 weeks due to the number of thefts committed in a short period of time while under post-sentence supervision and his extensive history of similar offenses as well as the large amount of property stolen.