Shrewsbury man stole computer, phone and knives from friend
A man who stole a computer, mobile phone and set of knives from a friend who had allowed him to stay at her home has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Lee Davies was invited to stay with his friend Maria Mansell in Church Stretton after arriving at her address on September 12, Telford Magistrates Court heard.
Mr Adam Warner, prosecuting, said the pair had known each other for a couple of years.
He said Ms Mansell had been sent home from work ill on the following Thursday, but when she got home 32-year-old Davies made his excuses and left.
It was then that the 48-year-old chef noticed some of her belongings missing from her home. The court heard that Davies had stolen a Huawei tablet computer, a set of knives, a green holdall and a Samsung mobile phone, worth a total of £660.
Reading a victim impact statement in court, Mrs Warner said the theft had greatly impacted her life. The court heard she described herself as having been a happy and bubbly person, but added: "Now I can't even trust my closest friends."
She said she had considered Davies a close friend and had taken him to Birmingham for a day out to buy him some clothes.
Davies, of Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, pleaded guilty to the theft. Mr Jamie Wade, mitigating, said Davies was ashamed and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He said Davies had taken drugs in the past but wanted to change his life.
Magistrates handed Davies a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation, £60 victim surcharge and a £180 criminal courts charge.
