Drunk Norwich shoplifter has sentencing hearing adjourned

Simon Robinson was attempting to get away from the Asda store on Hall Road in Norwich after stealing Captain Morgan rum and two bottles of Diet Coke.

Asda store in Hall Road, Norwich (Image: Google)But as he tried to drive away in a Ford C-Max he had stolen earlier from Stoke Holy Cross, he struck a member of the public who had been attempting to stop him.

Robinson was later arrested after being pursued by police at high speed following the incident on March 6 this year.

The 52-year-old from Rosary Road in Norwich was due at Norwich Crown Court for sentence on Wednesday (September 18) having previously admitted dangerous driving, theft from a shop and drink driving.

Simon Robinson leaving court after a previous hearing (Image: Newsquest) He had also admitted stealing the car from Stoke Holy Cross and driving without insurance. 

But sentencing had to be adjourned to September 27 as Robinson did not have legal representation.

He was told by Judge Alice Robinson to visit a Norwich solictors' office to get representation in time for next week's hearing.

Robinson was given conditional bail.

Dangerous driving can carry up to two years imprisonment. Taking a car without the owner's consent and drunk driving can also both result in custody.

Robinson previously appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on August 17 when he was given an interim disqualification banning him from driving until his sentencing at the crown court.

Shoplifting crimes in Norfolk reached a record high in the past year.

Figures from the Home Office show there were 4,967 shop thefts recorded in the year to March, a 26pc increase from 3,932 the year before.