Yeovil pair at risk of prison over roof lead theft charges

Two men who were spotted stealing lead from the roof of a bar in Yeovil town centre have been warned they could face prison.

Wayne Shortland and Daniel Christopher Smith were seen on CCTV carrying bucketfuls of lead down the rear fire exit into a waiting transit van and when police were called to the scene they were caught red-handed and arrested.

Shortland, 29, of Erica Close, Yeovil, and Smith, 25, of Perrythorne Park, Yeovil, pleaded guilty to stealing lead of an unknown value belonging to Jorden Frost on September 26.

Shortland also admitted the theft of a Flymo lawnmower worth £139.98 belonging to B&Q on September 10.

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South Somerset and Mendip Magistrates were told that Bar 45 in Stars Lane was currently closed and on the night in question a witness living opposite saw a transit van outside the premises and a male knocking on the doors.

Prosecutor Christine Hart said: “He told the licensee, Jorden Frost, who checked CCTV and saw the van outside but later that evening the same witness went out to get some food and saw the same van outside.

“He told Mr Frost that the van had returned and they saw a male in the driver’s seat.

“They both watched the CCTV and saw the two males going up and down the rear fire exit taking lead off the roof.”

When interviewed, both made no comment but admitted the offences in court.

On September 10 Shortland was seen pushing a Flymo lawnmower out of the bushes at the rear of B&Q.

Michaela Rose, defending, said Smith admitted he was involved in the incident after a long period of not offending.

“His life has now changed significantly as his offending was previously motivated by drugs,” she said.

“He went into custody for two years and since his release has continued to engage with Turning Point voluntarily and is on a methadone script.

“He is very remorseful that he has put himself in this position of being in court again.”

Neil Priest, defending Shortland, said his client had only been in court for one offence in the last two years and had made great strides forward and was no longer using heroin.

“He is not proud of his record and is very remorseful for these offences and stole out of sheer opportunism,” he said.

Magistrates adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports to be prepared, saying custody could be considered.

They were released on bail with conditions to live and sleep at their home addresses and observe a curfew.