Worksop: Pals high on drugs steal cable exposed during roadworks

Andrew Smith, 43, of Low Town Close, Worksop, and Glynn Dawes, 36, also of Low Town Close, Worksop, appeared before Worksop Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 22nd May.

Ruth Snodin, prosecuting, said that the cable had been removed from the road while roadworks were taking place in the area.

She added that the two men had tested positive for opiates after the theft and both had records of dishonesty. “The men were already serving community orders due to a previous offence,” she added.

Defence solicitor David Verrity said it was unclear if the cable had any scrap value and that it had been lying dormant in the road for many years.

He added that the cable was ‘very old’ and was in use when trams were in operation on the road many years ago.

“The defendants have apologised profusely for the crime. Both have made frank and full admissions,” he said.

Magistrates told the defendants: “Cable theft is rife and, whether the cable had scrap value or not, this is a serious offence and you must face the consequences of that.”

Both Smith and Dawes received conditional discharges of six months.

They were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15 each.