A PAIR of prolific shoplifters have stole champagne from a Morrisons supermarket.

Michael Negri, aged 59, and Michael Mason, aged 56, both of Old Market Close, Ross-on-Wye, admitted the thefts when they appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court.

They also pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a community protection notice because they are prohibited from entering Morrisons in the town. 

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Prosecuting solicitor, Mark Hambling said that CCTV footage show the pair entering the store to meet each other, and three bottles of champagne are not recovered.

"Mr Negri has a number of convictions for dishonesty, the most recent of which was May 31, 2023 when he had a conditional discharge for shoplifting," said Mr Hambling.

"Mr Mason has previous convictions for shoplifting. On April 12, 2023, he had four counts of shoplifting and was fined."

In defence, Chris Reid said that Mason took two bottles of champagne, and Negri one.

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"Mr Mason stole an item that he could easily sell," said Mr Reid.

"He is experiencing difficulties in his benefits."

Negri also pleaded guilty stealing a pressure washer from Screwfix on May 30 and a kettle from Gillmans Electronics on June 10. 

However, he denied using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a person that also happened on June 10. He will therefore face a trial at Hereford Magistrates Court on December 4, where he will also be sentenced for the shoplifting offences. 

Mason, meanwhile, was fined £40 and told to pay Morrisons £100 in compensation. He will also have to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £32 respectively.