Man finally before court - two years after stealing TV from Asda
A man who stole a £450 television from Asda in Walsall two years ago has finally been hauled before the courts.
Darren Kelly was caught on CCTV shoplifting at the Crown Wharf Shopping Park-based store on August 22, 2013.
But police were unable to trace the 39-year-old until recently, after he moved out of the borough. But officers caught up with Kelly, now of St Johns Street in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, who was sentenced at Walsall Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
He was given a conditional discharge by district judge Michael Morris who warned him the ruling would stay on his record for 12 months and he would be punished severely if he committed a crime in that period.
Kelly, who admitted theft from a shop, must also pay £450 in compensation for the TV, £85 in prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Defending himself at the hearing he said: "I do have one or two points which I consider to be mitigating.
"At the time I was going through a difficult period having just separated from my wife and had no home or possessions.
"I accept this does not excuse my behaviour. Since, I have moved away and started my own business.
"I have been slowly rebuilding myself over the past couple of years and I am now providing sole care for my daughter who has also recently come to live with me. Things are most certainly not as they were. Naturally I apologise unreservedly."
