Man admits theft of flagstones

Mark Wagstaff, 44, of Talbot Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to theft.

He was sentenced to an eight weeks’ curfew from 9pm to 7am and ordered to pay £500 compensation by Blackpool magistrates.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said a witness saw Wagstaff dragging flagstones from a yard in Ribble Street on August 25 at 1.45pm. When challenged by the witness, Wagstaff claimed he was doing some cleaning-up work.

Police tracked Wagstaff down after the witness gave officer’s details of the defendant’s van.

Wagstaff said had been driving around St Annes, putting out adverts for his business as a pointer, when he saw the flagstones in the yard which was not locked.

Imran Majid, defending, said Wagstaff admitted he should not have taken the stacked up flagstones.