Mark Stuart Walkley, of no fixed abode, appeared in Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Friday (24 June) and was sentenced to five months in prison and a two-year Criminal Behavioural Order.

Walkley was arrested and charged with eight counts of theft and three counts of causing harassment, alarm, or distress by using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour.

The charges stem from a series of incidents that occurred in May and June of this year at the One Stop store on Botley Road, the Co-op store on Middle Park Way, and the Asda store on Purbrook Way.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five months in prison, as well as a Criminal Behavioural Order barring him from entering the stores where these incidents occurred.

We are pleased that Walkley will now face the consequences of his crimes,” said Havant Acting Inspector Hayley Burden. “We hope that this sentence and Criminal Behavioural Order bring some comfort to the businesses and members of staff that he has targeted.”

No one should have to come to work feeling harassed or unsafe, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that members of the public and local businesses can go about their daily lives without being impacted by this type of criminal behaviour.

“We will always do our best to refer suspects to available support services.” These services assist and support a large number of people in becoming contributing members of society or simply being the best version of themselves possible. Support is insufficient for a small minority, and prosecution is the only option.

“We will concentrate our efforts on preventing these types of offences from occurring and ensuring that the courts have all of the facts they need to sentence those who commit such crimes.”