Cambridge thief jailed after failing to lead a crime-free life

A Cambridge thief has been sent to prison which police hope will encourage him to stop offending after failing to lead a crime-free life.

Darren Valentine had previously been given suspended sentences, for theft and bike theft, on three separate occasions to give him the chance to show he would commit no further offences.

However, on 11 April he stole six boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates worth £69 from the BP Garage in Teversham Road and on 6 May he took five packs of £10 laundry products from Co-op in Hills Road.

At Cambridge Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday, 28 May), Valentine, 35, of Squires Close, Chesterton, was sentenced to 34 weeks in prison after activating three suspended sentences and pleading guilty to two counts of theft.

Valentine also has an active Criminal Behaviour Order issued for two years in March not to be in possession or in control of any bicycle, bicycle part or bicycle accessories without verifiable proof of ownership.

He must also not sell or offer to sell any bicycle or attend any secure bicycle store belonging to the University of Cambridge or affiliated colleges.

PC Rob Tindall, from the Cambridge City neighbourhood policing team, said: “Valentine has been given opportunity after opportunity by the courts to turn his life around. We hope this latest prison sentence will encourage him to stop offending.”