[IMAGE: convicted Bobby Heath]
A man who stole his own barrister’s mobile phone has been convicted today, Monday 13 June.
Bobby Heath, 26 (28.4.1990) was found guilty in his absence at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court of theft of a mobile phone at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on 1 May 2015.
On 1 May 2015, Heath had appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court for drugs and driving offences, for which he was fined.
After a meeting between Heath and his defence barrister, she realised that her Samsung Galaxy Smartphone was missing and reported it to police.
PC David Paine from Greenwich Borough, at the court as part of the case that had been heard, reviewed CCTV and found the phone had been taken by Heath – who had already left the building.
Enquiries to locate Heath eventually traced him to an address in Rochester, Kent, a few days later and he was arrested by PC Paine, and subsequently charged on 5 May 2015 with theft.
Heath, who is serving a sentence for an unrelated matter, refused to leave prison and was tried in his absence.
PC Paine, the investigating officer, said: “I’m pleased with the conviction. Heath is a repeat offender. This crime shows he doesn’t care who he targets or what misery he causes.
“I hope this case reassures the public we take this type of offence seriously, incidents will be fully investigated, we will pursue offenders, and we will prosecute them wherever possible.”
Sentencing was adjourned until 21 June.