A man, who stole a bike from outside a shop on Weston Road, has been sentenced and ordered to pay the victim compensation.

Steven Dawkins, from Stafford, was sentenced to seven months and five days in prison (suspended for 12 months) on Wednesday (3 June) at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre. after admitting to theft.

The 35-year-old was told to pay his victim £3,500 compensation and was given a three-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) by the court, which is valid until 3 June 2029.

Dawkins was arrested on 27 May after stealing an electric bike worth £3,500.

Sergeant Claire Goodridge, from Stafford local policing team, said: "Theft can have a significant impact on victims.

"It can deprive individuals of their primary means of transport, cause financial hardship and leave them feeling distressed and unsafe.

"This type of offence is prevalent across many communities and offenders often reoffend, which is why we pursue measures such as CBOs to address persistent offending and protect the public.

"We are continuing to take proactive steps to prevent cycle theft, including hosting bike marking events to help owners safeguard their property."

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