SOHAM: Man Who Stole Stereo Told Magistrates He Was Very Sorry
A MAN who broke into a van and stole a stereo was given a conditional discharge by magistrates. Martin Parker, 23, of Queensway, Soham, was charged with theft from a motor vehicle, along with Thomas Lamb, 24, of Lady Way, Eaton Socon, St Neots. However, L
A MAN who broke into a van and stole a stereo was given a conditional discharge by magistrates.
Martin Parker, 23, of Queensway, Soham, was charged with theft from a motor vehicle, along with Thomas Lamb, 24, of Lady Way, Eaton Socon, St Neots.
However, Lamb failed to attend Ely Magistrates Court on Thursday and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Crown prosecutor Laura Mardell told the bench that Parker had been seen breaking into the Transit van, which was parked on Brewhouse Lane, Soham. The witness, a man in a nearby house, telephoned police and gave them a running commentary on the thieves' progress, as well as taking incriminating photographs, which were presented as evidence in court.
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She said: "When the police arrived, the two men were seen to discard items that had been concealed in their garments. The police later retrieved a Kenwood stereo and fascia, which the van owner confirmed as his."
Adam Hazelhurst, who represented Parker at his initial arrest as well as in court, said: "I can tell you that at the time Mr Parker had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and has no recollection of what happened." He also said that Parker has a "significant" learning difficult caused by his premature birth.
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He added: "Mr Parker is extremely remorseful. This is his first appearance in court. It was not the most sophisticated of crimes, it occurred in broad daylight."
The magistrates said they took into account that Parker had no previous convictions and that he was "very sorry" for what he had done.
They gave him a conditional discharge, to last two years.
The chairman of the bench said: "We will not fine you because you have got no money but you will pay �50 in compensation towards the cost of the broken window and you will also pay �60 costs.
