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Friday, November 21, 2008, 07:00
Carl Robbins (27), denied a theft charge. But it took less than an hour for jurors to find him guilty in a unanimous verdict.
Summing up the case at Grimsby Crown Court, Recorder Tahir Khan said the incident took place on March 3, at the B & Q store on the Gallagher retail park.
Robbins drove to the site in a Rover along with his partner and their young twins.
The woman left Robbins in the car and went inside to pick out a lawnmower.
She told Robbins which model she wanted and he went back inside. Recorder Khan reminded jurors a shop assistant had told them Robbins asked her which was the top model. And he then loaded it onto his trolley.
He pointed out Robbins said he had budgeted for about £150. He asked them to consider whether it would have been evident he had selected a 'top-of-the-range' model. He then left the store without paying for the £469 mower.
Robbins was approached by assistant manager Mark Whitelock, but he took to his heels.
When questioned about his behaviour, Robbins claimed he had been grabbed from behind by Mr Whitelock. And, believing it was somebody to whom he owed money, he fled the scene.
Edward Bindloss, for Robbins, said his client was employed as a crop sprayer and took home approximately £500 per week.
He said the defendant supported himself, his partner and their children, as well as paying maintenance towards his children from a former relationship.
As well as the £1,000 fine, Robbins was told to pay a £15 surcharge and £400 costs.
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Grimsby Crown Court.
Well done Tony Blair! You knew just when to resign as Prime Minister, leaving Gordon Brown in the mess you created. However, Brown is not without criticism.The next election I will vote for the Monster Raving Loony Party.
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