Teen's theft to avoid 'dole dosser' label

A teenage thief who stole ladders and metal cages in a bid to avoid going on the dole has been spared jail.

Anthony Elliott went on the stealing spree in September, targeting a Black Country scaffolding company and an Iceland store.

The 18-year-old, who had no previous convictions, was given a conditional discharge for two years. He admitted three charges of theft, the first on September 20 when he was filmed on CCTV loading metal cages left at the rear of Iceland in Union Street, Wednesbury, into a van.

The nine cages were then sold on as scrap for around £60, West Bromwich magistrates were told yesterday.

Elliott also admitted stealing four sets of ladders from MTD's Scaffolding, in Old Park Road, Wednesbury at 10.11pm on September 28. He was caught red handed back at the Iceland store 20 minutes later, attempting to take more steel cages.

Sarah Cooper, prosecuting, said: "Empty cages were stolen from the rear of the store and placed into the rear of the van and then taken from the premises.

"When they went back to the store they were caught again on CCTV and CCTV officers alerted police.

"Elliott said he did not receive any money from the state and he didn't want to be labelled a dole dosser.

"He only had the clothes he was wearing at the time.

"He said he didn't use drink or drugs and he didn't want to beg his parents for money."

Rafe Turner, defending Elliott, of Westbury Road, Wednesbury, said: "It is unfortunate that the defendant has lost his good character in this way.

"He accepts full responsibility, he makes his own decisions, and he feels that he has learned his lesson.

"He was just trying to eke out a living."

Mr Turner added that Elliott had had trouble finding a job.

Elliott was also ordered to pay court costs of £85.