The youngster had spent months saving his money
A MAN stole a child's piggy-bank from a bedroom while working in the family's house in a "cowardly and despicable" theft, a court has heard.
The youngster had spent months saving his money — including pennies he came across on the street — and had around £30 in the plastic cash box that Alexander Jonathan Walker swiped.
READ MORE: Swansea Council drops prosecution of teenager who fed McDonald's fries to pigeons in Castle Square
The 22-year-old also took an expensive hand-made silver ring belonging to the boy's mum, along with a set of hair clippers, while fitting a carpet in the family's property.
Walker, of Llangyfelach Road, Brynhyfryd, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared at Swansea Magistrates Court.
Rhian Thomas, prosecuting, said Walker was working for a small carpet-fitting business when he went with his boss to do a job at a house in Clase in July this year.
While the family — a mum and her two young children — were downstairs and Walker was working upstairs, he helped himself to the items.
The theft came to light the following day and the victim contacted the carpet fitter — who then confronted his employee and searched his house, but was unable to find the stolen goods.
Swansea Magistrates Court
The court heard Walker could not remember what had happened on the day in question because he was in a "haze" after taking Valium tables — but he said he had "probably" pawned the stolen items.
Jo Steadman, for the probation service, said Walker was suffering from anxiety and depression and had been self-medicating with Valium and cannabis.
In a victim impact statement, the mother said she felt she had been taken advantage of by somebody she allowed into her home.
Giles Hayes, for Walker, acknowledged it was a "reprehensible" offence and a breach of trust, but said his client was genuinely remorseful for what he had done.
He said Valium-use had "overtaken" his client's life, and said that since the incident he had lost his job and was facing losing his council accommodation as he could not longer afford the rent.
Magistrates told Walker he had committed a "cowardly and despicable deed" and sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation course. Walker must also pay his victim £550 in compensation.
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/child-s-savings-stole-by-tradesman-who-swiped-piggy-bank-from-house/story-29929215-detail/story.html#V1xYBvdI0WdS8CJj.99
No comments:
Post a Comment