A man released from prison on licence on the Isle of Wight has been sent back behind bars after he attempted to steal over £700 worth of items from Newport supermarkets and assaulted a security guard yesterday (Monday, January 1). 

Daniel Drake, of Holyrood Street, Newport, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from a shop and a charge of common assault at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 2.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said the 40-year-old entered Morrisons at 1.10pm, placing several bottles of wine and steak – to the value of £316 – into a bag for life before walking out of the shop.

Ms Miller told the court a security guard followed Drake to Town Lane and attempted to retrieve the items. He resisted, and a 'tussle' ensued, which was recorded by a member of the public.

See the video shared with the County Press, below:

All the items were recovered by the security guard, except for a bottle Drake was holding.

The prosecution said Drake later visited Sainsbury's and was recognised by the guard after a photo of him was posted in Shopwatch.

Ms Miller said Drake was seen putting bottles of alcohol and steak into his trousers, under his jumper and into a bag for life – to the value of £385.

Police were called and Drake told officers he had just been released on licence from HMP Lewes on December 15, following previous shoplifting convictions.

Henry Farley, defending, said his client was released with no money over Christmas, suffered a miserable two weeks with no food and nothing to celebrate, and was forced into ‘his old habits’.

Mr Farley told the court the security guard from Morrisons came up behind him and grabbed him quite a distance from the shop, startling Drake.

The security guard described the incident as ‘a little tussle’, the defence said.

Mr Farley said Drake’s move to the Island after being released from prison was arranged for him, and he wants to give life a go on the Island – as a trained electrician. 

“His previous convictions don’t make for happy reading,” said Mr Farley, with magistrates saying the list was 48 pages long.

Drake told the court, “It was a moment of madness.”

Magistrates asked him why he stole more than £300 worth of items from both stores.

Drake said: “If you are going to steal one bottle, I may as well steal four or five, you know what I mean?”

Magistrates handed Drake a six-week prison sentence. He must also pay a £154 surcharge. 

He will also serve the rest of his existing sentence.