A MAN from Reading has been given a suspended prison sentence after he stole credit cards from a car in Winnersh and fraudulently used them to buy sweets and cigarettes.
Daniel Mark Smith, 34, of Coronation Square, Reading, appeared at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Slough, on Monday, July 24 where he pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle and making false representation.
The offences took place between 9pm on April 11 and 10.33am on April 12 this year. Smith stole a wallet from the glove compartment of a vehicle parked in Bathurst Road, Winnersh, and then used the credit cards at various locations in Earley and Reading to buy sweets and tobacco products.
The goods were paid for via the contactless system, which can be used for purchases under £30 and do not require a PIN number to be entered.
During his court appearance, Smith was given a six-week prison sentence for the theft from motor vehicle, suspended for 12 months, and a two-week sentence for making false representation, suspended for 12 months.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £85, a victim surcharge of £115, and was given a rehabilitation activity requirement.
Following the sentencing, PC Terry Neblett from Three Mile Cross Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are pleased with the Court findings and the reparation to the victim in the case.
“I hope today’s sentence reassures our communities that we are committed to investigating all offences, including thefts, and we will work to bring offenders to justice.”
