Robber banned from city centre after latest spree

A serial shoplifter who elbowed a store worker in the face during his latest spree has been jailed and banned from a city centre.

John Moffatt, 40, had repeatedly stolen from the North Face shop in Newcastle before he struck again in July and August, the city's crown court heard.

The victim, who was hit in the face as she tried to stop Moffat leaving, said she was now concerned about going to work without a security guard present.

Moffat, who had 70 offences including 45 shop thefts on his criminal record, was jailed for two years and three months after admitting robbery and theft. An order banning him from entering Newcastle city centre save for pre-arranged appointments will last five years.

Moffat was already well known to staff when, on 28 July, he ran in, grabbed a £115 jacket and fled, prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said.

He returned four days later and grabbed two jumpers worth £130, the court heard.

A woman stood at the door to try to block him but in the scuffle he elbowed her in the face, the court heard.

Moffat was subject to a suspended prison sentence at the time for stealing from the North Face shop. The court heard the suspended sentence had since been activated.

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