Crooks used stolen card to buy trainers

Two crooks who say they found a stolen bank card in the street got a pair of trainers in a sports shop with it, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates CourtBurnley Magistrates Court
Burnley Magistrates Court

Warren Ian Hamer (37) and accomplice Mark McGranaghan (42) each told police in interview they were alone when they found the card, but CCTV footage showed them together at JD Sports in Burnley.

The town’s magistrates were told Hamer, who earns about £1,000 a month working in recycling, also tried to use the card in Pets at Home to treat his dog. But, it was declined and he ended up having to pay cash.

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Hamer, of Woodbine Road, Burnley, who has 59 previous offences on his record, admitted theft by finding, fraud and attempted fraud, on July 18th.

He was fined £265, with £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Unemployed McGranaghan, of Wren Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to theft by finding and fraud.

The defendant, who has 88 previous offences on his record, 57 of them for theft, is on licence after being released from jail in March.

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He received a four week curfew, between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week and must pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Mark Williams (defending) said when the pair were interviewed, both tried to claim they had acted alone and to take the blame.

He continued: “They were together when they found this card and went on to use it.”

The solicitor told the hearing: “It’s clear the card had been stolen earlier and of course they accept that having found it they should have handed it in and certainly shouldn’t have gone on to use it.”

Mr Williams added: “They are both apologetic. It was a silly thing to do.

“They should have handed it in. They both accept that.”