Man caught on CCTV commits further crime in Skegness

Darren Lee Claypole, 46, of Alexandra Road admitted breaking into hairdresser Just Cuts in Lumley Road and stealing cash and charity boxes and also Costcutter in Lincoln Road and stealing alcohol, when he appeared before magistrates in Boston.

Prosecuting, Jim Clare said that at 12.30am on October 6, Claypole, who has a number of previous burglary convictions, was seen on cctv to approach the double front doors of Just Cuts in Lumley Road and pull them outwards to make them insecure and then to leave, presumably to see if police came to answer any alarm.

He was then seen to return and enter the property by completely removing the doors, causing damage estimated at around £3,000 and then searching the reception area, stealing around £50 from the staff's tips box and also a Royal British Legion charity box.

He was later arrested for this offence after his image was seen on Facebook and, while awaiting a court appearance for this, in the late evening of Boxing Day night, he forced entry through the main front door of Costcutter in Lincoln Road and helped himself to £140 worth of gin and vodka.

Mr Clare said he was again seen on cctv and was arrested at the scene.

Mitigating, David Eager said Claypole struggled with alcohol and drugs and would benefit from intervention by the Probation Service.

The magistrates said they believed his offending had passed the custodial threshold but noted he had not had any Probation intervention since 2014.

He was given a 12 week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months and was ordered to observe 25 rehabilitation days and a six month drug rehabilitation requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £125 compensation to both shops.