Thief branded one-man crime wave jailed for 10 months

A man labelled a "one man crime wave" by a district judge was today behind bars for a string of crimes including stealing two charity collection boxes in the Black Country.

District Judge Graham Wilkinson told Scott Lees it was an "absolutely despicable" offence and sentenced him to 10 months behind bars.

Lees, aged 24, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to stealing two collection boxes from two Stourbridge shops, handling stolen goods, possessing an offensive weapon and using threatening behaviour.

Mr Mark Cooper, prosecuting, told Dudley Magistrates Court yesterday that on October 11 - four days after being released from prison for another offence — a drunken Lees got involved in a family argument near his mother's house in Stepping Stones, Stourbridge, during which he brandished a large wooden stick.

As he walked away he shouted: "I've been to prison, I'm not scared of going back. I'll get out and burn your house down," the court was told.

Earlier that day, Lees had been found riding a stolen BMX bike around an hour after it was taken during a burglary in Heath Farm Road, Stourbridge. He was granted bail by magistrates on October 12.

Then, just two days later, Lees was caught on CCTV stealing charity boxes from Yummy's kebab shop in Bell Street, and Chilly Kiddy's play area in Mill Race Lane, where staff were collecting for a local hospital in memory of a relative.

It is thought they contained £50. District Judge Wilkinson told the court Lees had been in court 55 times before, adding: "He's a one man crime wave." He told Lees: "The theft of the charity boxes is very serious, and a despicable act by you. Absolutely despicable."

Mr Michael Davies, defending, said Lees had previously had an alcohol problem and was now addicted to drugs.