A SHOPLIFTER who stole a coat from a Cheshire Oaks store on Christmas Eve has been jailed.

Catalin Cazan, 37, had gone to the retail complex while in possession of a de-tagger and a knife concealed in a fake credit card.

Appearing at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, March 5, Cazan - of Ashton Road, Oldham - was jailed for 20 weeks.

His accomplice, 25-year-old Andrei Iulian Taran, of Villa Road, had also been caught shoplifting, but was handed an 18-month community order.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said Taran was seen stealing a Timberland coat.

Staff checked CCTV and both Cazan and Taran were involved in the shoplifting.

Cazan had pleaded guilty to having a de-tagger, stealing the Timberland coat and having a bladed article, which police discovered was a 3.3-inch blade inside a black card labelled 'Cardshark'.

Taran had pleaded guilty to stealing the Timberland coat, as well as clothing valued at £369 from the North Face store, and T-shirts valued at £70 from the Nike store.

In police interview, Cazan claimed he did not believe the blade was illegal.

Cazan had one previous conviction from 2004 in Romania, while Taran was of previous good character.

Both defendants, speaking through a Romanian interpreter, said they were very remorseful for what they had done.

Taran claimed he had debt problems in Romania and had no spare clothes.

Chair of magistrates Theresa Whittingham said both defendants had "full intention" of going to steal the items and Cazan should have known the bladed article was illegal.

She told Cazan: "We believe you were the lead in this, at 37, walking around with a gentleman aged 25; he is going to look up to you for your actions.

"When you spoke to probation, you didn't report any money issues, and we think this is just an act of pure greed."

Cazan was jailed for 20 weeks and told to pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

Turning to Taran, Ms Whittingham said: "You went in a variety of high-end shops. Why you were doing this there was no reason.

"You say you needed clothes, coming into the country - we don't believe this reason. If you needed clothes, there are cheaper ways to get them, through charity shops and the community.

"We believe it was just greed."

Taran was handed an 18-month community order, to include 20 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours unpaid work.

He must pay a £95 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.