Buxton pub thief stole phone in revenge

Roger Parker admitted stealing Jayne Wilkins’ Samsung Galaxy S3 from the Queen’s Head pub, on High Street, Buxton, on April 20.

High Peak magistrates heard on Monday when the victim realised her phone was missing she reported it to the pub, who checked their CCTV and the defendant was identified.

The 56-year-old, of Dakin Avenue, was arrested but the phone was not recovered.

He later contacted one of Ms Wilkins’ friends to tell her if she wanted her phone back, she should drop the charges.

Parker said he had thought Ms Wilkins had stolen £40 from him in the pub and had taken her phone in revenge.

Kirsten Collings, defending, said: “He had been drinking, which affected his decision making.”

He was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £170 compensation, £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.