A SERIAL shoplifter who stole a Wilko pressure washer just three days after being given a suspended sentence or burglary has been jailed.

Beau Houghton, who has 83 theft offences on his record, was spared an immediate jail sentence by the district judge on Monday, March 1.

The 44-year-old had admitted stealing a Japanese tea grinder in a non-dwelling burglary at the Paramount Buildings on Princes Street, opposite the magistrates’ court, and also pleaded to a number of other shop thefts.

On Friday, Swindon magistrates heard he’d missed an appointment with the benefits agency on Monday as a result of being in court.

Emma Thacker, defending, said her client’s benefits were stopped after the missed appointment. He’d tried to call his probation officer to ask for help, but the call went unanswered as the officer was on leave.

In desperation, it was claimed, he went to the Wilko store in Greenbridge retail park on Thursday, selected a £100 pressure washer and left the shop. He was detained by security guards.

Houghton had bounced between addiction to drugs and alcohol. He was currently struggling with alcoholism.

Ms Thacker asked the justices to keep her client out of prison and give him a chance to begin his alcohol treatment requirement programme. He had another appointment with the benefits agency on Friday afternoon to try and sort out his benefit payments.

Houghton, of Drakes Way, Walcot, pleaded guilty to theft.

Magistrates activated the 28 week suspended sentence. Chairman of the bench Peter Wells said the country would be left in a desperate state if everyone who had problems with their benefits went out and committed crime.