Man stole meat when benefits stopped

A man resorted to stealing meat when his benefits money was stopped.
Blackpool Magistrates CourtBlackpool Magistrates Court
Blackpool Magistrates Court

Richard Townsend, a 48-year-old former HGV driver, of Waddington Road, St Annes, pleaded guilty to theft.

He was sentenced to an eight weeks curfew from 9pm to 8am and ordered to pay £120 compensation, a £150 court charge, £85 costs plus £60 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.

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Adrian Hollamby, prosecuting, said Townsend was seen on CCTV at Blackpool’s Marks and Spencer store stealing packets of meat valued at £120 on November 16.

When interviewed he disputed the value the store had put on the meat, saying it had been on sale at the time. He added he had sold the meat for £40.

Robert Castle, defending, said Townsend’s benefits had only been restored to him on Wednesday.