Thief admits stealing £1,000 of candles

A THIEF who struck at a family run garden centre and stole nearly £1,000 of candles in 14 months has been brought to justice nearly two years later - after being caught stealing the same thing at the same store.
Preston Magistrates courtPreston Magistrates court
Preston Magistrates court

Neil Birchall, of Fairholme Avenue, Prescot, Merseyside, admitted stealing £571 of Yankee branded candles on March 16 this year from the Birkacre Nursery in Birkacre Road, Chorley.

After being caught the 44-year-old also pleaded guilty to stealing a further £339.98 of candles belonging to the nursery on December 31, 2014.

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The bench at Preston Magistrates’ Court imposed 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work, supervision, and a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also ordered him to pay compensation of £910.72 and an £80 victim surcharge.

The bench said he was already subject to a community order which made the offences more serious.