Shoplifter’s light touch
A SHOPLIFTER saw the light when he was nabbed with 22 lightbulbs.
Derek Fender was found with the pounds 153 haul of energy-efficient bulbs when stopped by police in Gateshead.
The 38-year-old admitted stealing them from Homebase, Retail World, Team Valley, earlier that day to use in his own flat.
Fender, who has 31 convictions for theft, pleaded guilty to the May 9 theft and was given a 12-month conditional discharge to run alongside a community order he is on.
Defending, Tom Iceton, told Gateshead magistrates that when Fender, of Bensham Crescent, Gateshead, split up with his girlfriend, she wouldn’t let him take anything but his clothing.
His benefit claim was reduced because of his change of address, said Mr Iceton, and he couldn’t afford basics to furnish his flat. But this has now been sorted out.
Far-Right Criminals 