A SHOPLIFTER was confronted by a member of staff at a shoe shop after he stole trainers for the second time.

Leslie Dixon, 52, entered Shoezone in Whitehaven on May 13 and placed a pair of Skechers trainers into a plastic bag. He left, making no attempt to pay, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Dixon re-entered the store on May 15 and this time took a pair of women’s Skechers trainers.

He was challenged outside the store on the second occasion and gave the trainers back to a member of staff.

Dixon made admissions during police interview. He said he stole shoes on both occasions.

The defendant, of Central Avenue, Egremont, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from a shop.

Mike Woolaghan, defending, said: “There’s nothing especially sophisticated about the offending itself. He was challenged. He returned the items to them.

“He made full and frank admissions. He entered guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity.

“He has engaged in periodic shoplifting offences. He had fallen back into a relationship with a person who had been encouraging him to go back to his bad behaviour.

“He very quickly realised that person was having a negative effect on him. He is taking steps to distance himself from that person.”

Dixon was fined £120. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.