AN OPPORTUNISTIC theft has led to the conviction of a 31-year-old man from Kent at Richmond Court this week.

Steven Power of Court Cottages, Dorset, had stolen £40 from a cash-box in the reception of a chiropractors owned by Wesley Elliot, at York House, Twickenham. Power, who was caught stealing the money by Mr Elliot, said: "Please don't call the police - I have three kids."

The court heard that on November 16th at 2pm, Mr Elliot was seeing a patient when he became aware of a noise coming from the reception area. He went to have a look and found Power inside the top drawer where the cash-box was left.

Mr Elliot then called the police and even made an attempt to stop Power from escaping. However he finally managed to break loose.

Police arrived and a fingerprint was taken from the scene which was then sent to the forensic laboratories, where it became clear that it was the fingerprint of the defendant.

George Keppe said in his defence: "This was an opportunistic offence. He did not intend to commit the offence. At the time, he was short of money - it was a spur of the moment act.

"He feels embarrassed because he's let his family down and his children down."

Powers was fined £100, will pay compensation of £40 and court costs of £55.

May 30, 2003 11:00