Dale Campbell, 39, was given a community order for stealing gardening equipment last year
Newcastle Crown Court(Image: NCJ MEDIA)
A crack-cocaine using gardener stole a lawnmower and strimmer belonging to a customer in order to sell them for drugs. Dale Campbell had been hired to carry out gardening work for a customer in Cowgate, but after finishing the work, he returned to the home to steal the belongings.
Campbell was captured stealing the gardening equipment when the homeowner checked their CCTV. He has now been ordered to pay compensation.
Campbell, of Till Street, Byker, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced for theft. The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court heard that on September 25, last year, Campbell was hired to do gardening work at a property in Cowgate. Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said: “The defendant went to a property on Fouracres Road to carry out gardening work at the rear of the property.
“The complainant had engaged his services to do the gardening work and allowed him to use their lawnmower and strimmer. The next day, the complainant noticed the strimmer and lawnmower were missing.”
Mr Anieto added: “CCTV showed the defendant re-attending the address and taking the items before leaving. It was then reported to police.” The court heard Campbell had two previous convictions for two offences.
Kashif Khan, defending, said: “The defendant’s intention was not to steal the items, it was to take them without permission with the hope of securing work and then returning them.” Mr Khan said that Campbell then decided to cash the equipment in to feed his drug habit.
A member of probation told the court: “Things had spiralled out of control, his father had passed away and he was left homeless. He had been using crack-cocaine heavily” The court heard that Campbell is unable to read and write and has three children.
Magistrates handed Campbell a 12 month community order and ordered him to pay £200 compensation. He must also complete 15 rehabilitation days.
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