Man told to get wallet out before entering any shop in Sheffield

David Leadwood
-Credit: (Image: South Yorkshire Police)


A man has been banned from entering Sheffield shops without money after attempting to leave a Greggs without paying.

David Leadwood, 48, went into the Greggs store in Fargate on September 10, when he attempted to leave without paying for some items. There, he was stopped by a man who took the items and returned them to their shelves.

He then got violent and kicked a sign at the man who had stepped in, before lunging at him. He eventually left the store without paying for an energy drink and boarded a bus out of the city centre.

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South Yorkshire Police gathered CCTV footage from the Greggs, which led them to Leadwood. He was charged with theft from a shop and assault by beating, later pleading guilty to both charges.

Of Pye Bank Road in Sheffield, Leadwood was sentenced at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on September 11, and received a 12 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £100 in compensation, £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

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In addition, Leadwood has been made the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which is valid for two years. It states Leadwood must not:

  • Conceal any item prior to payment at any retail premises in Sheffield.

  • Remain on any retail or commercial premises in Sheffield if asked to leave by an owner, occupier or other person acting on behalf of the owner / occupier of such premises.

  • Enter any retail or commercial premises without the means to pay for goods in Sheffield.

Police officers can apply to the court for a CBO when they are dealing with someone engaging in repeated anti-social behaviour. If breached, the punishment is up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

PC Antony Marsh, of the Safer Neighbourhoods Service, said: "We want Sheffield city centre to be a safe place for everyone who visits, works and lives in the area.

"Actions such as Leadwood's are unacceptable and the swift justice delivered to him should act as a warning to anyone committing criminal acts in the city centre. It will not be tolerated and we will take action."