Telford burglar hurt in theft bid on disability benefits
Wednesday 9th March 2011, 11:29AM GMT.
A man from Shropshire who suffered serious burns while attempting to break into an electricity substation is now receiving disability benefits, it has been revealed.
Scott Wilkin, from Telford, is unable to work due to his injuries. He was cautioned by police in 2008 for burglary with intent to steal.
The information came to light as Wilkin, of Beaconsfield in Brookside, appeared before magistrates in the town again yesterday on an unrelated matter.
Justices considered asking the 35-year-old to carry out unpaid work in the community after he admitted receiving stolen goods on October 27 last year.
Police had spotted Wilkin on a bike at Burford in Brookside, Telford, with another man, who was pushing a grey wheelie bin.
The wheelie bin was found to contain metal and tools that had been stolen from Stafford Park Industrial Estate on October 26.
But Mr Jonathan Mason, defending Wilkin, said his client would not be able to work because of the injuries suffered while attempting to take lead from a substation.
He said: “My client was cautioned in 2008 for burglary with intent to steal from a non-dwelling when he broke into an electricity substation.
“He severely burned himself in the course of that incident and since then he’s been on disability living allowance and income support. He has severe injuries from that all over his body.
“Quite frankly it’s amazing he wasn’t killed from that, but he can’t do unpaid work due to his disability.”
Mr Mason said his client regretted his latest crime.
Mr John Barnett, prosecuting, said Wilkin was not involved in the initial burglary. Wilkin was ordered to pay a £185 fine, including £85 court costs.
Most Commented
- Clampdown on Shrewsbury chuggers
- Bishop's gay marriage views do nothing to support bible teachings
- Letter: Alcohol price plans annoy me
- Planners ordered to stay on Newport visit bus
- Letter: Angered by close encounter of the furred kind
- Letter: No sense in overseas job adverts
- The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff doesn't raise a smile
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
