Gainsborough: CCTV camera thief gets suspended jail term

Lee Wainwright removed two cameras from the ACIS building in Bridge Street in the town.

Just days later he ripped a camera from the wall of the premises of Connells greengrocers on Ropery Road.

The cameras, which were later recovered, were worth over £3,000.

Phil Howes, prosecuting, said Wainwright then used a set of ladders to climb up and remove a further camera from the wall of a house in Fawcett Street.

Mr Howes told the court: “The defendant was arrested in the early hours of 7th January.”

“When police searched his home address the items of stolen property were found. One was in a rucksack and the others were on a table in the dining room.”

The court was told that Wainwright had 14 previous convictions for a total of 30 offences, but had mainly been out of trouble over the last 10 years.

Wainwright, 39, of Southolme, Gainsborough, admitted the theft of two cameras belonging to ACIS between 30th December and 1st January this year.

He also admitted to the theft of a camera belonging to John Cruz on 6th January and a similar charge relating to theft of a camera belonging to Samantha Padgett on the same date.

David Eager, defending Wainwright, said: “He has made it quite clear that he was stealing to order.”

“There was a six year gap in offending then a burglary in 2010 and then another gap before these offences.”

“He has demonstrated that he can stay out of trouble,” he added.

Recorder Timothy Spencer QC gave Wainwright a 12 month jail sentence, but suspended for a period of two years.

He was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge tot he court.

Passing sentence, the Recorder told Wainwright : “This was serious offending involving valuable property.”

“It was targeted and to order. It was only nipped in the bud because you were caught.”

“At 39 years of age you should know better and you have shown you can stay out of trouble,” he added.