A prolific shoplifter who gained notoriety online as an Ed Sheeran lookalike has been prohibited from entering any Tesco store in Derby for three years following the theft of two cans of cider. Bailey Esmonde, 22, was issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) and barred from the city’s supermarket chains after stealing the drinks from a Tesco Express on St Peter's Street on March 30.
Two days later, on April 1, Esmonde was arrested after being found in possession of a wrap of cocaine. He was subsequently charged with shop theft and possession of crack cocaine. However, upon the release of his mugshot, public attention shifted from his crimes to his striking resemblance to pop star Ed Sheeran.
A social media post by Derbyshire Police featuring his custody photo attracted over 2,500 comments comparing the thief to the singer, with many dubbing him a 'Temu version of Ed Sheeran.' One user wrote, 'Anyone else just here for the Ed Sheeran comments.' Others referenced lyrics from Sheeran's hit song Thinking Out Loud, remarking, 'When your legs don't work cause you're barred from the store,' and 'When the till don't work like it used to before.' Another questioned, 'Is he Temu's version of Ed Sheeran??,' while one added, 'This is clearly ED HeRan.'
Esmonde pleaded guilty to both charges at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on April 2. The CBO was granted during a hearing on May 14 and will remain in effect for three years until May 13, 2029. He also received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay compensation for the stolen alcohol.
This is the second CBO imposed on Esmonde. In 2024, he was banned from a single Tesco Express in Alvaston after admitting to stealing a Monster energy drink can, two packets of sandwiches, a bag of crisps, and a bag of chicken bites. Following his latest offences, officers successfully applied to extend the ban to all Tesco stores in Derby.
