Ex-employee turned to theft after benefits stopped

A thief who raided his former workplace for food went out shoplifting three months after being sentenced, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates Court.Burnley Magistrates Court.
Burnley Magistrates Court.

Burnley magistrates were told how Chaudary Ansar Iqbal (36), had been given two conditional discharges for two burglaries on January 5th.

He had let himself in at the shop where he used to be employed, but the burglary alarm had been changed and it went off.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On April 11th, he helped himself to car oil worth £40 from Wilkinsons, sold it and treated himself to a takeaway.

The hearing was told his benefits had been stopped both times he struck and he had had no cash.

But, he was now in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance and had sought the help of Inspire.

The defendant, of Maurice Street, Nelson, admitted theft at Nelson. He was fined £80 and told to pay £40 compensation by the bench, who said he was trying to get his life back on track and was going to Inspire voluntarily. They allowed the conditional discharges to continue.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The court heard Iqbal’s family was now supporting him and his wife was looking to get back into a relationship with him.

His solicitor said: “At the police station, he looked a shadow of the person he is today.”

Related topics: