A SERIAL offender and shoplifter who walked away from a local court after admitting an unprovoked assault, walked away from court again after his latest series of shoplifting offences.

Thurrock Nub News reported on the court appearance of drug addict Thomas Larke, 24, last month when he appeared before Southend magistrates after randomly assaulting a woman on King Street in Stanford-le-Hope. He also admitted a string of shoplifting offences.

Larke, who originates from Wales, is known to have a drug addiction.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Friday, 4 July and was fined £50 in connection with multiple shop thefts and for assault by beating. He was issued with a community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement and rehabilitation activity requirement.

Larke also received an order to pay £300 compensation for the assault.

He made his latest appearance at Southend Magistrates on Friday (15 August) to face multiple shop-lifting charges.

Thurrock's Neighbourhood policing team pressed charges against him as part of an investigation into thefts from shops.

King Street in Stanford-le-Hope where Larke has carried out some of his offences.

Larke was arrested following incidents at shops in West Thurrock, Grays, Stanford-le-Hope, and Corringham between 19 June and 13 August.

He was charged with six counts of theft from a shop and one count of possession of cannabis.

On his latest court visit he pleaded guilty to all the offences and was ordered to pay compensation.

Earlier this month Thurrock Nub News editor Neil Speight published a comment piece, bemoaning what he described as incompetence and a lack of co-ordination between police and the Crown Prosecution service, plus a lack of questioning and interest from magistrates.

In the wake of Larke's second court appearance in a number of weeks, Mr Speight adds: "I wasn't in court this time, so I can't authentically state exactly on what happened and what details were given to magistrates, I just have a short police press release. But I am totally baffled how he could appear in court in July when a series of shop-lifting offences were being dealt with, while police were already, it appears, looking at a number of other offences committed by him.

"Perhaps they came to light afterwards, but it doesn't really come across as impressive in terms of him being interviewed about his criminal activities.

"There just seems a complete lack of joined up work in processing this sort of crime and dealing with incessant criminals like Larke.

"Is there any wonder that there is growing anger among right-minded people at the lack of ability of courts to dispense the sort of justice they want - and expect - to see?

"I am sure he could get counselling and treatment for his drug addiction in prison – in fact it would seem more likely to work in that environment than allowing him to roam our borough, stealing to feed his habit and attacking the occasional woman who crosses his path!

"I keep hearing the phrase 'Britain is Broken'. It's hard to disagree."