A MAN who stole a woman’s credit card from her Carlisle workplace and then used it to make contactless payments has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Mark George Kenney, 39, pleaded guilty to four offences when he appeared at the city’s crown court earlier today (MON).
Kenney admitted burglary having entered a Carlisle pet shop as a trespasser before stealing a purse, cash, driving licence and credit; and three counts of fraud by false representation.
Kenney was said to have entered a private staff area during a “sneak-in” crime on September 6. Within around an hour he had used the credit card he stole to make three contactless city centre payments totalling around £70 for either alcohol or cigarettes.
Kenney was identified by police on CCTV footage and, when arrested, was still wearing the same distinctive top he had worn during his offending.
His victim seemed to have taken the matter “in her stride”, the court heard, and had been reimbursed by her bank.
Subject to prison licence at the time of his latest crimes, Kenney, of Warwick Road, Carlisle, was said by his lawyer to be making steps to address his offending and drug-related problems.
Concluding there were prospects for rehabilitation, Recorder Robert Lazarus suspended a 274-day jail term for 18 months. Kenney must complete a rehabilitation requirement and six-month night-time curfew.