A man described as one of Nottingham's most persistent offenders has been sent back to prison for the third time in four months after repeatedly stealing from a city centre store and flouting a court order.
A history of offending and a court order
John Chattin, 37, of no fixed address, was handed a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in January 2025. This order specifically banned him from entering a designated exclusion zone within Nottingham city centre. Chattin has a significant criminal record, which includes previous convictions for robbery, theft, assault, and possession of class A drugs.
Repeated breaches lead to multiple jail terms
Despite the court order, Chattin was first jailed for eight weeks in September 2025 after being spotted within the prohibited area. Released part-way through that sentence, he was arrested again on October 4 for a second breach in Trinity Square, resulting in a further 10-week prison term.
His offending continued almost immediately after his subsequent release. Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard on Monday, December 22, that Chattin stole two glass candles worth £60 from the Yankee Candle store in the Victoria Centre on December 12. He then returned to the same store and committed the identical theft on December 18.
Latest sentence and police warning
Chattin pleaded guilty to both thefts and to three separate breaches of his Criminal Behaviour Order. He was subsequently jailed for four weeks.
Following the sentencing, Chief Inspector Kylie Davies of Nottinghamshire Police stated: "Chattin is one of Nottingham’s most persistent offenders and we know his behaviour has been a blight on the city centre due to his disregard for the law."
She emphasised that breaches of CBOs are criminal offences that carry prison sentences. "People like Chattin should know that – for as long they keep committing offences – we will remain on their case and will continue to put them before the courts," Chief Inspector Davies added.
The police also highlighted that significant support is offered to individuals before applying for such restrictive orders, but noted that Chattin had "repeatedly refused to engage." They expressed hope that this latest custodial sentence would provide him an opportunity to reflect and access the support needed to change his behaviour.
