Padiham copper thief damaged old people's home (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Padiham copper thief damaged old people's home

9:26am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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A BURGLAR stole £40 worth of copper piping from an old people’s home being turned into flats, where £1,200 damage was caused.

Burnley magistrates heard how Darren Scott Rushton, 30, who also stole a hosepipe and hanging basket in a separate incident, did not accept he caused all the damage.

The defendant was caught after his fingerprints were found on a radiator taken off a wall.

Rushton, of Whitegate Close, Padiham, admitted burglary and theft.

Rushton, who has been out of trouble for a year, was given a two-month curfew, between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week.

He must pay £40 compensation and £80 costs.

David Lawson, for Rushton, said he committed the offences when he had fallen out with his partner and resorted to drugs.

He said: “These offences are a one-off and he is now firmly on an even keel.”