A police officer who was caught on camera stealing nuts, cheese and treats from Lidl has been given a community order. Christopher Spence, 44, admitted shoplifting at the store in Bideford in February.
Spence was a constable working for Devon and Cornwall Police but was off-duty at the time, a court heard. CCTV filmed him walking around the store in Clovelly Road with a rucksack over his shoulder.
Over a period of several minutes he wandered around the aisles selecting items from shelves and put them in his rucksack. He helped himself to a packet of steak, crisps, nuts, a block of cheese, two bottles of drink, and four Easter treat bags.
He went to the self-serve checkout but only paid for one item. He could be seen holding a loaf of bread as he left the shop.
Judge Stephen Climie said: “Ultimately the punishment in this case is the loss of your good name, the loss of dignity and ultimately, the loss of respect you’re going to suffer with colleagues, friends and associates.”
He said Spence was still a police officer but should expect to lose his job at an upcoming disciplinary hearing. He has been suspended from duty since his arrest.
Spence was given an 18-month community order, unpaid work for 150 hours with costs of £300. He must also pay £30 compensation to the store.
Warren Robinson, defending, said Spence, from Bideford, had made a “horrible mistake”. He said Spence had done years of good work as a police officer and had saved lives in his role.
But he is also a “bit of a closed book” who doesn’t open up and talk about things. He was under financial pressure at the time.
Following sentencing, Superintendent Toby Davies, Commander in North and West Devon, said: “We are deeply disappointed by the actions of Chris Spence, particularly given his neighbourhood role within the community.
“First and foremost, I want to assure our community that the action of one individual does not reflect the values or integrity of our local officers. We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of trust and confidence in the community we serve, and I would like to assure the public that such incidents are rare.
“This behaviour undermines all those officers who behave to the highest standards day in, day out, keeping our area safe.
“As we move forwards, we will continue to be open and transparent, and hold ourselves accountable, and we will work hard to ensure that the actions of one individual does not undermine the confidence and trust we have worked so hard to build.”