A 20-year-old Isle of Wight shoplifter caught on a Southern Vectis bus with an eight-inch kitchen knife tucked into his waistband has been spared an immediate jail term.

Tyler Wilkinson, of Atkinson Drive, Newport, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, February 2.

At a previous hearing in January, the 20-year-old admitted four counts of theft, and possession of a knife in a public place, between November 5, 2023, and December 2, 2023.

Prosecutor, Munayah Hussan, said Wilkinson stole various bottles of alcohol from Tesco and the Co-Operative in Ventnor to the value of £259.50, and on December 1, he was found in possession of a knife in public.

Ms Hussan said Wilkinson was arrested on a Southern Vectis bus and found with an eight-inch kitchen knife tucked into his waistband.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said Wilkinson didn’t brandish the knife and there was a significant element of peer pressure involved.

He said Wilkinson was diagnosed with ADHD, easily manipulated, did it to fit in, and acted without thinking.

He said he was ripe for rehabilitation and was not someone who should be given up on.

Wilkinson was handed a four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, to include 20 rehabilitation days.

He was ordered to pay £259.50 compensation, costs of £85 and a £154 surcharge.