A Kinmel Bay woman who installed CCTV outside her house because she was “petrified” of a local gang was caught on camera accepting stolen goods from them, a court heard.
Solicitor Roger Thomas said the fact that Michelle Coombes was caught by her own equipment showed how unsophisticated her crime was.
Coombes, 46, of Glascoed Avenue, pleaded guilty at Llandudno magistrates’ court to handling a large quantity of goods which had been stolen shortly before from the nearby home of Dylan Evans.
Prosecutor James Neary said three men were suspected of stealing the property, which included two flatscreen TV sets, bracelets, watches, a wallet, X-boxes, DVDs and an iPad.
After checking his “Trace your iPad” system, Mr Evans was able to direct police to Coombes’ house.
The men were seen on her CCTV system carrying some of the items into the house.
Initially, Coombes claimed she did not know the TVs and other property had been stolen, but Mr Neary told the court they were “red hot” at the time. She later changed her plea to guilty.
“She assisted by making her home available to the burglars,” said Mr Neary.
Mr Thomas said Coombes had been in an abusive relationship and now had five children living with her, some of whom needed special attention.
“She is petrified of this group of young men who rule the estate,” he said.
“She didn’t need the property but felt pressured into buying it. She was frightened that if she did not comply they would take revenge upon her.
“She installed CCTV to protect herself.”
The Bench committed Coombes for sentence at Caernarfon crown court on Tuesday, July 12, when two of the men involved are also due to appear for sentence.
Chairman Alun Williams said that, although the Bench had heard strong mitigation, their sentencing powers were not sufficient.
see-
Michelle Coombes, of Glascoed Avenue, installed the equipment because she was 'petrified' of a local gang, but was then filmed accepting goods from them
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/kinmel-bay-woman-caught-handling-11600063
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