Man jailed for stealing from shops in Congleton

A 31-year-old man has been jailed after pleading guilty to stealing from shops in Congleton.

Samuel Holliday, from Shaw Close in Congleton, appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court for a trial on 2nd February but changed his plea to guilty for four counts of theft from a shop, and one count of handling stolen goods.

He was bailed to appear in court for a further trial on 9 February at Crewe Magistrates for possession of a blade in a public place. He previously admitted to separate charges of possession of a controlled drug of Class B (cannabis/cannabis resin), possession of a class C controlled drug (Midazolam) and possession of a class C controlled drug (Alprazolam).

He was subsequently found guilty of possession of a blade in a public place. This related to being arrested on 6 September 2025 after officers stop searched him in Congleton. The drugs and a razor blade were found in his bag.

In relation to the theft offences, between 9th November 2025 and 26th November 2025 Holliday targeted The Shell Garage on Clayton Bypass, Farm Foods, Barn Road, and then Morrisons Daily on St Johns Road on two occasions.

The handling of stolen goods referred to trainers, perfume and electrical items found at his address on Shaw Close, Congleton, that he could not account for.

He stole more than £400 worth of goods from the shops over the course of the month.

CCTV captured Holliday stealing from the shops and on 7th December 2025 officers arrested Holliday.

He has now been sentenced to six weeks for the theft and handling stolen goods offences and 22 weeks for the drug and blade possession. A suspended sentence of 48 weeks was also activated.

PC James Rowley of the Congleton Neighbourhood Policing team said:

“Holliday’s disregard for local businesses and vulnerable members of the community was clear in his offending and now he is paying the price for his criminal activity.

“His actions have taken up a large amount of police resources across numerous departments, so we welcome the result. A joint effort between local officers led to the prompt detainment of Holliday on 7 December where he was remanded into custody to prevent further offences.  We are committed to protecting businesses against repeat offenders and will continue to bring thieves to justice.’’

Pictured - Samuel Holliday from Shaw Close in Congleton.