A would-be thief has been banned from every B&Q store in the England and Wales for trying to steal high value electric equipment from the DIY chain’s Kendal branch — and assaulting a manager who tried to intervene.
Francis Thomas Charlesworth, 47, faced two charges when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today.
Charlesworth admitted attempting to steal property belonging to B&Q, and also assaulting a male member of staff at the Burton Road outlet.
Both crimes were committed by him on July 6 last year.
Few details about the crime were given during the short court hearing.
However, prosecutor Tim Evans did say that it involved cutting wire in an area of the store where items had been secreted. The manager was assaulted, said Mr Evans, after he had the temerity to challenge his shoplifting enterprises.
Recorder Julian Shaw adjourned the case for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report.
Charlesworth, of Woodfarm Hey, Stockbridge Village, Liverpool, was granted bail until June 14.
But Recorder Shaw warned ahead of the sentencing hearing: “The court will have before it the full range of sentencing options, from an immediate custodial sentence downwards.”
In addition, the judge imposed two conditions on Charlesworth’s bail: not to enter or approach any B&Q store anywhere in England and Wales; and to reside at the address given to the court.
