Thief arrested second time around

A man who stole items from BHS in Hastings then went back to get more told police he thought his mother was paying for them.

Joe Cooper, 25, of Cooden Drive, Bexhill, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates last week.

The court heard, from prosecutor Mark Kateley, that Cooper had gone into BHS, at the Priory Meadow shopping centre, on November 22.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Kateley said: "He was seen, on CCTV, leaving the store by the rear entrance, that leads to the car park, with items from the store, including a toaster.

"Staff followed him but he disappeared.

"He then came back ten minutes later and walked out with three radio controlled cars and a lamp.

"He was challenged and arrested and initially denied any intention to steal.

"He said he had a row with his mother over where to pay and was hoping his mother would pay for the items.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cooper, an out of work builder and father of two, told the court: "It was a bad time for me and I made a mistake."

Magistrates sentenced him to a 12 month conditional discharge with 40 costs.

Chairman Godfrey Daniel said: "It is sad that your previous good character no longer exists."

Related topics: