DIY worker lost job over theft

Jayesh Patel, 26, was left without his money and without his job at Homebase after the thief drove off as soon as he had loaded his goods into his car, Wolverhampton Magistrates were told. Maggie Meakin, prosecuting, said Patel had been at work when he was approached by a customer in the store at St John's Retail Park, Wolverhampton.

She said Patel was offered the cash by the customer, who has not been caught, into helping him take the stock out of the store on a pallet trolley in full view of CCTV cameras.

The men were seen to make two trips out of the store with the trolley laden with goods.

Patel was told he would be paid once the furniture was loaded into a car parked outside, Mrs Meakin said.

But before Patel could received any money, the crook jumped into his car and drove off, leaving the third year University of Wolverhampton art and photography student out of pocket.

Tony Randell, defending, described Patel as a hard-up student who didn't have a lot of money and who was working part-time at the DIY store.

He told the court yesterday that Patel initially refused to help the thief, but when he was offered the cash, he found it hard to resist.

Mr Randall said: "As soon as the vehicle was loaded the thief drove off.

"Mr Patel was unaware that the employer had viewed the CCTV when he came into work the next morning and was fully prepared to own up and pay the store for the furniture.

"The manager was, however, waiting for him."

Mr Randall told chair of the bench Clive Westwood Patel made no profit from the theft.

Patel, who lives with his parents in Jeffcock Road, Penn Fields, pleaded guilty to theft from his employer, Homebase, and was bailed pending sentencing on February 12.

Homebase today said it did not comment on staff matters.