Curfew for farmer who stole 860 pairs of knickers

Wednesday 14th December 2011, 12:34PM GMT.

A farmer who stole 860 pairs of ladies’ knickers from washing lines in Mid Wales has been given a curfew after he admitted that he needed help.

Geoffrey Robert Wilde admitted 18 charges of theft.

Wilde, of Llanfechain, near Oswestry, admitted to police that he would sometimes wear the underwear he stole in Welshpool and surrounding areas, Welshpool Magistrates Court was told yesterday.

The 48-year-old was given a three-year community order consisting of a 36-month supervision requirement, attendance on a community sex offenders programme and a six-month daily curfew between 6pm and 6am. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85.

Mrs Helen Tench, prosecuting, said just before midnight on November 15 a man in Welshpool spotted Wilde coming out of a passageway acting suspiciously.

She said two officers stopped Wilde and searched him, finding three pairs of women’s knickers in his left trouser pocket and a torch.

The court was told how officers found 860 pairs of knickers when they searched his home.

Mr Paul Inns, for Wilde, said his client was remorseful and ashamed.

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