A dad-of-two struggling due to a relationship split went to a shop and stole some Lego. And then he stole computer equipment from another shop twice in two days, a court heard,
Andrew Lange relapsed into drugs when his eight-year relationship ended and went shoplifting when he was at a "very low point". The 39-year-old, of Redwing Drive in Weston-super-Mare, appeared at Bristol Crown Court after pleading guilty to three thefts in April last year.
The recorder Mr David Chidgey handed him an 18-month community order, with rehabilitation, alcohol treatment and a £30 fine. He told Lange: "The prosecution says this was shoplifting with a degree of organisation."
Read more: Man repeatedly assaulted woman he said he loves
Kenneth Bell, prosecuting, said Lange went to Smyths Toys in Patchway, put Lego in his trolley and slipped out without paying. The court heard he then visited nearby Currys and stole a £100 computer monitor.
Mr Bell said the next day Lange returned to the Currys store and stole another computer monitor and a Dyson electrical device. He told shop staff his wife had the receipt for the goods and wheeled them away.
Mr Bell told the court: "CCTV footage showed the same red Fiesta as the day before. Police identified him from the CCTV."
Sign up for our new Bristol's Court Insider newsletter for the latest court and crime news - from arrests to trials and sentencings
Catherine Flint, defending, said: "These offences were committed when he was at a very low point. His eight-year relationship ended in a very bad way."
Miss Flint said her client had lost his job, started using drugs again and became homeless. The court, however, he is starting to rebuild his life, had stopped using drugs, is willing to work with the Probation Service and aspired to be a good father.
