'Honest thief' raided Sutton building site

Jonathan Whiteman was spotted emerging from bushes, near a Persimmon Homes site, with another man, and heading for flats on Drayton Avenue at 5pm on December 12 last year.

Prosecutor Becky Allsop said he was found – with his clothes covered in mud – holding a box that contained £150 of building materials.

Whiteman last appeared in court for dishonestly in March 2019.

His most recent conviction was for drink driving, in December 2019.

Chris Perry, mitigating, said Whiteman was ‘an honest thief’ who ‘took the view it was an opportunity to steal’ as he passed the site, but denied planning the theft.

He said Whiteman spent many years in the building trade but alcohol problems started after he lost his driving licence and this cost him his work.

"The last year has involved him drinking to excess," said Mr Perry. "He has managed to maintain his accommodation.

"He is now drinking about four cans of nine per cent proof lager every evening. He has plans to return to work and reapply for his driving licence.

"He says "What I really need to do is to get back into work. It is just because he has nothing to busy his days. That will stop him idly drinking.

"He is determined that his plans will change his behaviour. This is the tail-end of a difficult time."

Whiteman, 36, of Gateford Road, Worksop, admitted theft at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Thursday.

He was fined £120, with £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

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