Copper pipe thief stole to buy food

Published on 24th May 2007 in News

A man who was caught stealing from an empty house in Goole to raise money for food has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Andrew Smith, of no fixed address, appeared at Goole Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to two charges of non-dwelling burglary.

The charges related to two unoccupied houses on Richard Cooper Street, which have been bought by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council as part of a regeneration programme.

For this reason, the offences were not classed as dwelling burglaries.

Julie Laverack Glanville, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said on May 21, shortly after 3.30am, police officers investigated reports of loud noises coming from an unoccupied house on Richard Cooper Street.

"It was one of the numerous houses purchased by the council, which have been secured by steel shutters," said Mrs Glanville.

When the police arrived at number 37 they saw that the shutter had been partially pulled off the front door.

The officers saw that the floor boards had been pulled up to gain access to pipes; they also found a screwdriver and crow bar on the landing.

Mr Smith was arrested and taken to the police station, where he admitted trying to steal copper piping.

He also admitted that he had done the same thing at 35 Richard Cooper Street.

He told police that he planned to weigh-in the copper at a scrap yard and buy food with the money.

Mrs Glanville said Mr Smith had a 'fairly bad record' which included a another non-dwelling burglary charge.

Defending Mr Smith, who had been remanded in custody, Ross Wagstaff pointed out that his client had stolen an item from a house that was going to be demolished.

He also said his client, who had been staying with a relative in nearby Phoenix Street, essentially had no money and had stolen solely to buy food because he was hungry.

"He takes full responsibility and was co-operative throughout."

After hearing a report from the probation officer, magistrates ordered Mr Smith to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also given a supervision order for 12 months and ordered to undergo a basic skills assessment.

Court costs of £55 were waived.