A retired engineer was unable to explain why he used a magnet to shoplift from Marks & Spencer. Robert Scanlon stole £314.87 worth of clothing, food and alcohol from the store in Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff.
The 66-year-old from Bridgend was caught stealing on May 13 and the goods were recovered. He was "unsure" why he had brought a magnetic label remover to the shopping complex, a probation officer told Cardiff Magistrates' Court. She said he had received the device from a friend some time before but "did not know why he felt the need to use it".
The probation officer added: "He does think there may have been underlying thoughts of financial struggles. He worked as an engineer for the majority of his life and retired last October. Since retirement he has felt guilty that he and his wife are struggling financially. He is receiving a pension but he is unsure if he is claiming all that he is entitled to."
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She said Scanlon committed thefts in his teenage years but since then had not been convicted apart from two driving offences. He lives in a council home with his wife and 31-year-old daughter, who has high support needs.
"They moved to the council property after their mortgaged home was given back to the broker due to arguments with their neighbours," the probation officer told the court. "The arguments had an impact on himself and his wife, and they felt there was no option but to leave the home. The feuding has caused some trauma.
"He has a good marriage but since he was caught in this theft, it has caused a strain. There are no concerns with alcohol or illegal substances. He does have a conviction for driving with excess alcohol but that was over 24 years ago. For the last ten years he has struggled with his mental health and he receives support from his GP."
Scanlon, of Heol Cefn Ydfa, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop and going equipped for theft. Garth James, mitigating, said that not long before the shoplifting, Scanlon had learned his car needed new tyres and was worried about the expense. "He provides a level of care for his daughter over and above what the state can provide," the solicitor added. "The simple economic realities of life have caused him to behave irrationally."
Presiding Justice Nigel Buckland imposed a 12-month community order including 15 rehabilitation activity days, £120 fine, £114 victim services surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs. No compensation was ordered because the items were recovered. The debt will be paid at a rate of £20 per month.
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