Doncaster thief must pay £1,000 after he stole an elderly man's tools

A thief has been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation after he stole a chainsaw and a leaf blower from an elderly victim.
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Sheffield Crown Court heard today, August 4, how John Allcock, aged 24, of Moss Croft Lane, Doncaster, snatched the tools from the garden of a property at Bessacarr, Doncaster, and fled in a vehicle.

James Baird, prosecuting, said the 74-year-old complainant was working at the property when he was approached by Allcock who asked if he needed any gardening doing but the complainant explained he did not live at the property.

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However, Allcock returned, according to Mr Baird, and stole the man’s Stihl saw and leaf blower from the garden while he was working on the roof and he saw the defendant run to a vehicle before driving away.

A thief has been given a two-year community order at Sheffield Crown Court, pictured, and been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation after he stole an elderly workman's tools.A thief has been given a two-year community order at Sheffield Crown Court, pictured, and been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation after he stole an elderly workman's tools.
A thief has been given a two-year community order at Sheffield Crown Court, pictured, and been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation after he stole an elderly workman's tools.

Mr Baird added police tracked the defendant down after a witness passed on the vehicle’s registration number.

Allcock, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the theft after the incident on July 22, 2019. The court heard that at the time of the theft Allcock was subject to a suspended prison sentence which had been imposed for possessing a bladed article.

Michael Cane-Soothill, defending, said Allcock is receiving benefits but is eager to get back to work.

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Judge David Dixon recognised Allcock has managed to sort his life out since the offence and sentenced him to a two-year community order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work. He also ordered Allcock to pay £1,000 compensation.