Addict stole charity tin from bank

David Simon Whitehead (48) was seen on CCTV removing the tag which held the tin to the desk, putting his coat over the box and then leaving the Royal Bank of Scotland in Burnley.

The town’s magistrates were told how, when he was questioned by police, Whitehead said he could not remember going into the premises and he usually went in on Thursday.

The collecting tin was taken on a Monday.

The defendant, who has a record for dishonesty, admitted theft on September 21st.

Whitehead, of Parkinson Street, Burnley, was given 12 months’ supervision, with a drug rehabilitation requirement, was fined £10 and ordered to pay a £180 criminal courts charge and a £60 victim surcharge.

The court was told Whitehead told police he did not go into the bank with the intention of taking the box and did not know why he did it.

Mr Trevor Grice (defending) said his parents had died recently and he was on medication.

“Since the death of his parents, he says he has started taking valium and taking it to excess.

“He says he can remember very little of what happened and doesn’t know why he’s taken the box.”

Mr Grice said there was somebody in the bank who was clearly with Whitehead.

“He can only suggest he has been put up to this while he has been taking valium and he has given the box to that particular person, making no gain for himself.”