O'Neill targeted Marks and Spencer after a dispute over refunds for shirts
A shoplifter who began stealing goods from Marks and Spencer after a dispute over refunds for shirts has been banned from the store for two years.
Leonard O'Neill, 62, of Marylebone, central London, stole food and clothes worth about £900 from London branches over six months.
O'Neill, who admitted the thefts, was given a 10-month jail sentence suspended for two years.
He told the Old Bailey: "Every time I see Marks and Spencer I get upset."
Judge Timothy Pontius said: "I am going to impose as well a requirement that you do not, at any time during the next two years, enter any branch of Marks and Spencer.
"Plainly, your shopping must be done elsewhere."
The court heard the crime spree began after a dispute at a Marks and Spencer branch about refunds for shirts O'Neill, of Gresse Street, had purchased.
In May he stole food worth £197.60 from the Oxford Street branch, but was caught and later bailed.
Six weeks later O'Neill took five shirts and six ties worth £314.50 from the Fenchurch Street branch.
Earlier in November he was remanded in custody after trying to walk out with clothing worth £388 without paying from the Westminster branch.
He has previously admitted the theft at the Fenchurch Street branch and was fined £300. He has spent a week on remand at Wandsworth prison since his latest theft.
O'Neill said: "Every time I see Marks and Spencer I get upset. I have been in prison now a week and I realise I can't go into Marks and Spencer again."
Judge Pontius said: "I understand you had a grudge against Marks and Spencer and hence these offences were committed.
"I also hope that is now ended and you have managed to work this grudge off."
"I am anxious not to put a 62-year-old man in prison if I can avoid it."
