Prolific Shoplifter Convicted in Private Prosecution

James OKELLO of Canterbury Road, London, NW6, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on 14th October 2020. He pleaded guilty to Theft Shoplifting contrary to Section 1 of The Theft Act 1968. He was fined ￡120 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of ￡34.

The case was brought by TM Eye as a private criminal prosecution.

On Saturday 8th August 2020, TM Eye Detective Shaun Kerrigan was on a plain clothes patrol in Regent Street, W1 when he spotted Okello acting suspiciously. After being followed into multiple high-end stores, he as seen going into the Michael Kors Flagship store in Regent Street where he concealed a handbag valued at ￡210. Okello left the store and begun running up Regent Street. After a four-minute pursuit Shaun detained the male and recovered the goods. 

Police were called at the time but failed to attend. As a result, TM Eye brought a private criminal prosecution.

TM Eye Director David McKelvey said: "Prolific shoplifters like Okello cost our high streets billions, which results in higher prices for us all. 

Until recently they have been able to operate with almost immunity from prosecution. TM Eye now prosecutes these criminals in order see that justice is done. 

It is for the judicial system to consider whether a person is guilty or not and to impose the necessary sentence or ensure that a formal process is followed to assist the defendants, some of whom may have alcohol or drug dependencies. 

In doing so TM Eye are reducing the resources required by the police who can focus on crimes that they label as not 'low level'.