Booze thief caught out

Callum Poklington failed to reveal he had changed his name by deed poll and had a criminal record of 108 offences.

Poklington was at first going to be offered a caution but the police officer interviewing him became suspicious and put him on the fingerprint scanner which revealed his true identity.

Poklington, 46, of Badgers Walk East, Lytham, pleaded guilty to two offences of theft and one offence of obstructing police.

He was sentenced to six months supervision, fined £60 and ordered to pay £190 compensation by District Judge Jim Clarke sitting at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Poklington was seen on CCTV at Booths, Lytham, twice in one day putting bottles of alcohol totalling £190 into a holdall on January 11.

On January 14 he returned to the same store, put £130 of alcohol in a bag and was detained by a security officer outside.

He later admitted deceiving a police officer about his name, hoping to get a caution.

Leisa Splaine, defending, said her client had moved to Lytham for his health because he had lung problems.

His benefits had been stopped and he had not had any money for five weeks. He had sold the alcohol he stole.

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