A prolific thief who was arrested in Chippenham whilst in possession of a knife and suspected stolen goods has pleaded guilty to multiple offences.
Jody Sidelnik, 42, of no fixed address, Calne, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court today (13/11) charged with handling stolen goods, two thefts from a shop, possession of a bladed article in public and obstructing the police.
Sidelnik had been arrested in April this year on suspicion of handling stolen goods but ran off during the arrest after becoming verbally abusive to the officers, since then he had evaded the police - a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On Saturday evening, an off duty police officer spotted Sidelnik attempting to steal a bike from outside the Hungry Horse in Rowden Hill, Chippenham. When police arrived and searched Sidelnik, he was found in possession of a knife and multiple stolen bottles of alcohol.
Sgt Jamie Ball said: “Sidelnik is a prolific offender who I am pleased has now been put before the courts and pleaded guilty for multiple offences.
“I’d like to thank the off duty police officer who alerted us on Saturday and detained Sidelnik until we arrived. I’d also like to praise the teams here in Chippenham for their hard work in ensuring this offender was swiftly arrested and remanded.
"We recently took part in Safer Business Action Week and highlighted the importance of local businesses reporting shoplifting and theft, and other offences for that matter, on their premises. The incident at the weekend highlights that vigilance helps us act quickly to apprehend those committing offences.”
Sidelnik will be sentenced on December 14.
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