Dad-of-three stole welding kit
A father-of-three who handled a stolen £600 welding kit had gone off the rails and had been using drugs.
James Martin (35) had the equipment after it was taken from an allotment in Burnley.
It was sold on to someone else for about £60, but had been recovered and returned to owner Stephen Hartley, the town’s magistrates were told.
Martin, who has a record, was said to have struck after a relationship broke down. He has now been given a six-month community order, with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was ordered to pay £50 compensation, £85 costs, an £85 victim surcharge and a £20 fine.
The defendant, of Bedford Place, Padiham, admitted handling stolen goods at Burnley, on September 5th.
Mr John Rusius, defending, said Martin was approached by a third party, who suggested he would try and sell the kit and they would split the money. The defendant gained £20.
He added: “It’s something that wasn’t pre-planned. It’s something that happened on the spur of the moment. He is back on track and living with his mother.”