Matthew Cavill, a 44-year-old from Solihull, has been sternly warned by a judge to end his repeated shoplifting after racking up over 100 offences. Cavill recently stole more than £2,000 worth of items—including Lego sets and sports clothing—from Bullring stores Selfridges, Entertainer, and Sports Direct between December and March.
Appearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on April 21, Cavill pleaded guilty to five counts of theft. Prosecutors detailed his thefts, which included £615 worth of sports clothes from Sports Direct on December 12, and several lootings of Lego and other goods between March 14 and 29, totaling £2,035.
Cavill’s extensive criminal history includes 98 offences, some committed while on bail and under a community order. The court heard he has struggled with drug addiction, which his lawyer described as a key factor behind the crimes. Representing Cavill, his lawyer highlighted that this time he is “on the road to recovery” and urged the judge to give him another chance.
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Deputy District Judge Wallace acknowledged the large number of offences but noted periods of sobriety in Cavill’s past. The judge emphasized that real change will only come when Cavill accepts help, warning: “It has to stop now.” Opting against immediate imprisonment, the judge sentenced Cavill to 15 rehabilitation activity days and ordered him to pay £100 compensation to each affected store.
The judge warned Cavill that without taking advantage of this opportunity, he risks falling deeper into criminal behaviour and homelessness. Cavill was released under these strict conditions, urged to break the cycle of offending before it becomes a “revolving door” back into crime.