Fine for changing room thief

A STOWMARKET man who stole a jacket from a department store was fined £75 at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court. Michael Vincent, of Lower farm Road, Ringshall, admitted theft from Debenhams on February this year after taking three items into a changing room – but returning only two.

By Amanda Cresswell

A STOWMARKET man who stole a jacket from a department store was fined £75 at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court.

Michael Vincent, of Lower farm Road, Ringshall, admitted theft from Debenhams on February this year after taking three items into a changing room – but returning only two.

David Taylor, prosecuting, said the 29-year-old was wearing the jacket under his clothing and was spotted leaving the shop.

Howard Catherall, mitigating, said: "It was an impulsive action…He didn't have any money and decided to take the jacket for him to wear." They item was recovered and he fully co-operated with police.

Vincent – who starts a job as a qualified forklift truck driver in two weeks time – was also ordered to pay £55 prosecution costs.