Man Accused Of 17 Thefts Banned From Most Of Newcastle

A man accused of a string of shoplifting offences and the theft of a vehicle has been banned from entering most of Newcastle and a significant stretch of Northumberland while criminal proceedings continue.

Colin French, 28, appeared before magistrates this week facing a total of 17 charges linked to alleged thefts across Newcastle, North Tyneside and surrounding areas. The case has attracted attention due to the unusually large exclusion zone imposed as part of his bail conditions, effectively preventing him from entering much of the region.

French, who is from Newbiggin Hall in Newcastle, has not yet entered pleas to any of the charges against him. However, magistrates imposed strict conditions ahead of his next court appearance later this month.

Court Hears Details Of Multiple Theft Allegations.

The charges brought against French include 12 counts of shop theft, one count of motor vehicle theft, one count relating to stolen parcels and two alleged breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

According to the allegations outlined in court, French is accused of targeting several retail premises over a period of just a few days between May 30 and June 4.

The majority of the alleged offences relate to Sainsbury's stores located in both Newcastle and Whitley Bay. Prosecutors claim goods were stolen on ten separate occasions. Additional allegations involve a Co-op store in Cullercoats and the Hollister clothing store in Newcastle city centre.

Retail crime has become an increasingly significant issue for businesses across the North East. Figures published by the British Retail Consortium show incidents of theft across UK stores have reached record levels, with retailers reporting millions of offences annually. The organisation estimates there are now more than 55,000 theft incidents taking place in shops across the UK every day, highlighting the growing challenge faced by businesses and police forces alike.

Alleged Land Rover Theft Also Before The Courts.

Alongside the shoplifting allegations, French is accused of stealing a Land Rover valued at approximately £1,700.

The vehicle was reportedly taken from a street in Blakelaw, Newcastle, on May 22. Prosecutors further allege that four parcels were stolen from the same vehicle during the incident.

Vehicle crime continues to be a concern across the North East. Home Office data has shown that thousands of vehicle-related offences are recorded across England and Wales every year, with thefts often having a significant impact on victims who rely on their vehicles for work, family commitments and daily life.

The allegations relating to the Land Rover will now be considered alongside the wider list of offences as the case progresses through the courts.

Criminal Behaviour Order Breaches Alleged.

French is also accused of breaching an existing Criminal Behaviour Order on two occasions.

The court heard the alleged breaches relate to entering a Sainsbury's store despite restrictions that were already in place.

Criminal Behaviour Orders are designed to prevent individuals from engaging in behaviour linked to previous offending and can include restrictions on entering specific locations, contacting certain individuals or participating in particular activities.

Breaching such an order is itself a criminal offence and can lead to further penalties if proven in court.

Extraordinary Bail Restrictions Cover Huge Area.

One of the most striking aspects of the case is the scale of the exclusion zone imposed as part of French's bail conditions.

Magistrates ordered that he must not enter an area bordered by the River Tyne to the south, the A1 to the west, the River Tweed near Berwick to the north and the North Sea to the east.

The restriction effectively excludes him from large sections of Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and numerous towns, villages and shopping areas across the region.

In addition to the geographical ban, French has also been prohibited from entering any Sainsbury's, Co-op or Hollister stores while on bail.

Legal experts note that courts can impose strict conditions where they believe there is a need to reduce the risk of further alleged offending while proceedings remain ongoing.

Newcastle Court Appearance Scheduled.

The case was initially heard at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court in Bedlington before being adjourned.

French is now due to appear before Newcastle Magistrates' Court later this month, where the case is expected to move forward and plea decisions may be entered.

As proceedings continue, the allegations remain subject to the criminal justice process and no findings have yet been made regarding guilt or innocence.

The outcome of the case will be closely watched across Newcastle and Northumberland, particularly by retailers and residents concerned about crime in local communities.

For now, the extensive bail restrictions remain in force while the court process continues.

Do you think tougher restrictions and sentencing are needed to tackle repeat shoplifting and vehicle crime across Newcastle and Northumberland?