Relentless thief who terrorised Shropshire stores and stole 50 times tells judge prison has 'humbled him' and he now helps fellow inmates spiritually
A prolific shop thief who spent more than two months terrorising stores in Telford and racked up 50 thefts, including stealing parcels from a doorstep, has told a judge his time in prison has changed him.
In total Nathan Price admitted 50 counts of theft, including dozens from Co-op stores in St Georges and Oakengates in Telford; two assaults on shop security guards, two assaults on police officers, two counts of criminal damage, dangerous driving and failing to provide a blood sample to police.
Price, now 36, committed several offences in and around Nottingham last April before spending weeks relentlessly targeting stores in Telford, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard this week.
In the early hours of April 17 he went to an address in Nottingham he had been evicted from, and damaged a car belonging to the occupant. He caused £193.92 of damage in the attack, which was caught on CCTV.
After stealing from a Co-op in Netherfield on April 19 last year he was spotted driving a Skoda Yeti at Sneinton Hermitage in Nottinghamshire that afternoon and stopped by police. He initially gave the officers a false name but handed over his driving licence. When it became clear he was being sought in connection with the theft he was asked to get out of the car, but he refused.
"He decided to drive off at speed," prosecutor Nicholas Berry told the court. Price contravened a 'keep left' bollard and drove towards two oncoming vehicles, carrying on through a set of red lights. He was eventually caught in a nearby car park but "because he struggled he was PAVA [incapacitant] sprayed so he could be detained," Mr Berry said.
While in custody Price refused to provide a blood sample for a drugs test.
He was bailed in relation to those offences - but within days he was in Telford raiding shops in the town.
On April 29 Price took six blocks of cheese, two salmon and washing tablets from Co-op in St Georges. Over the next two to three months he committed dozens more unsophisticated thefts, terrorising that shop and another Co-op in Oakengates, also targeting Asda, a Greggs bakery in Oakengates and an off-licence.
He often stole food, detergent or washing supplies but also helped himself to alcohol, pet food - and on one occasion a meal deal.
On May 3 he stole pet food and washing tablets from Co-op; two days later he took whisky worth £23.49 from Flame and Lily Mac. On May 5 he was back at Co-op in Oakengates stealing five blocks of cheese and steaks. The next day he returned to St Georges where he stole four cases of lager.
On May 8 he took lager and washing tablets from Co-op in Oakengates, and smashed beer bottles resulting in a criminal damage charge. On May 12 he stole dog food from Asda, and three days later he took crisps, chocolate, chicken and cheese from Co-op. He stole a baguette from Greggs on May 22.
After stealing from Co-op yet again on May 24 he was questioned by a member of staff. Mr Berry said: "Having been confronted this defendant turned around to [the employee] and said 'come outside, I will have you'."
The member of staff declined, but Price threw a tin of food which hit him in the back and caused pain and reddening.
Price targeted House of Fraser in Telford town centre on June 11, stealing £235.99 worth of stock.
On June 28 he took £270 worth of stock from the same shop, and was confronted. In an altercation which was caught on CCTV, Price grappled with three security guards. One of them put their arm around his neck and he bit it, breaking the skin and drawing blood.
That came the day after he had stolen Amazon parcels from a woman's home, containing goalkeeper's gloves for her son and perfume.
He failed to attend a court hearing on July 1, and the next week he was stealing from the two Co-op stores again, taking washing pods and cleaning supplies.
Arrest
On July 19 he stole clothes worth £130 from JD Sports. Finally, on August 14 several police officers went to his address in St Georges to arrest him.
Upon realising what was happening Price attempted to leave through an upper-floor window. While he was dangling from the window officers took hold of his leg but he kicked out, hitting one officer in the head. He also damaged an officer's Fitbit watch in the struggle.
He has been in custody ever since, and admitted all the charges against him.
Judge Anthony Lowe said: "I'm dealing with a significant number [of thefts]: 50 in all, 49 of which are shoplifting, plus the theft of the parcel from the front door."
Paul Smith, counsel for Price, admitted the "sheer number of offences" worked against his client, but spoke of the work he has done in the months he has spent in custody. He said there are "two very different sides of Mr Price" and that his previous drug problems had been "pivotal" in his offending.
Price himself read a letter to the court, beginning: "Your honour, being imprisoned for me this time has been a humbling experience."
He said he has "reflected on [his] past and how [his] actions have cruelly impacted on others".
"I needed this time of incaraceration to see and understand this and begin my rehabilitation."
He said he has "used [his] talents, such that they are, to help others [...] socially and spiritually" and "asked them to put themselves in others' positions".
Price, previously of Roman Grove in St Georges, has been in contact with a community of Jehovah's Witnesses who will arrange accommodation for him upon his release, the court heard.
Judge Anthony Lowe told Price he was impressed with the letter.
"You are 36; it's such a tragic waste of your life - but that doesn't mean to say it needs to continue to be a waste.
"You can turn your life around; unfortunately there are just too many offences and the vast majority are committed while on bail [to suspend the sentence].
"I will try to keep the sentence as low as I possibly can."
For all the offences together he sentenced Price to 28 months in prison. He will only serve up to 50 per cent of that in custody and the time he has spent on remand will count towards it, meaning he is likely to be released on licence this year.
The judge also banned him from driving for 22 months and ordered him to take an extended re-test if he intends to drive again.
A criminal behaviour order was imposed banning him from six of the stores he had targeted.