Mechanic steals from garage over unpaid invoice

A mechanic, Ashley Underwood, stole a toolbox from a garage where he had performed work but was owed £100. The incident occurred at Abbey Cars & MOT in Uppingham Road, Leicester.

Underwood claimed he had been waiting two years for payment and had attempted to resolve the matter through communication with the garage owner. However, when he visited the garage to collect the money, an argument ensued, leading to the theft.

Leicestershire Police arrested Underwood, who was later charged with burglary. His solicitor argued that the theft was not premeditated and was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

The garage owner estimated the stolen toolbox to be worth between £300 and £400, but Underwood disputed this figure. Underwood is also pursuing legal action against the garage to recover the £100 he is owed.

Magistrates sentenced Underwood to a 12-month conditional discharge, along with court costs and a victim surcharge. They avoided a prison sentence, considering the circumstances of the case and the value of the stolen item.

Source: Leicestershire Live