A Solihull man has been fined for stealing Lego worth £351 from the John Lewis store at Touchwood Shopping Centre on two separate occasions. Wayne Kidd, 38, of Welford Road, Solihull, admitted the offences at Birmingham Magistrates Court and expressed genuine remorse.
Thefts Captured on CCTV
The court heard that CCTV footage showed Kidd entering the store and filling a bag with toys. The first theft occurred on January 8 and involved items valued at £221. The second theft followed on January 12, with stolen goods worth £130.
Defence Explanation
Defence solicitor Aftab Zahoor described the thefts as “spur of the moment” acts committed during “difficult times” just after Christmas. He emphasised that the offences were not related to dependency on drugs or alcohol. “It wasn't dependency related, it wasn't because of drugs or alcohol,” he explained.
Clean Record and Remorse
The court noted that Kidd had not appeared in court since 2017 and is currently receiving Universal Credit. Deputy District Judge Olwen Davis praised his nine-year clean record, stating: “You've had a good record for the past nine years.” Kidd pleaded guilty to both offences and showed genuine remorse.
Penalty and Compensation
Kidd was fined £40 for each offence and ordered to pay £200 in compensation, bringing the total court costs to £280. The judge acknowledged his remorse and clean record in determining the sentence.
