A 60-year-old man who shouted abuse and squared up to people in Walsall town centre has admitted theft and threatening behaviour. Thomas Stewart behaved aggressively towards members of the public at around 2.30pm on June 18, with the incident filmed by a witness.
Incident at Heron Foods
Later that day, at approximately 4.40pm, Stewart entered Heron Foods on Bridgeman Street in Walsall. He picked up a yoghurt, a vape, and two tubs of butter, placing them near the till before arguing with store security. He then took the items and left the store, but was followed and challenged about the theft, at which point he returned the items.
The court heard that Stewart, of Parkland Gardens, Walsall, was identified by police from footage of the earlier incident. During the hearing at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on July 30, he pleaded guilty to theft from a shop and using threatening, abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.
Mental health and alcohol issues
Sheila Hicklin, defending, said Stewart had mental health and alcohol issues. She added: “His drunken behaviour was causing members of the public to be very distressed and alarmed.”
Stewart was given conditional bail and must not enter Walsall town centre. He will return to court for sentencing on September 28.
