Men seen stealing stones in daylight

3:47pm Monday 12th May 2008

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THREE men were seen stealing stone flags from a street in broad daylight.

Magistrates heard Stephen John Parkinson and his accomplices were loading the flags into the back of a truck at 10am in Queen Street, Darwen.

Two of the trio were arrested nearby and Parkinson immediately admitted responsibility and said he was the only person involved.

Parkinson, 51, of Winstanley Road, Bamfurlong, Wigan, admitted theft of 10 flags worth £350 belonging to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

He was made subject to an electronically monitored curfew for three months between 6pm and 6am and ordered to pay £35 costs.

Parkinson's last conviction had been in October 2006 at Bury for stealing stone flags.

Scott Parker, defending, said Parkinson, a father of five and grandfather of eight, had come to Darwen legitimately looking for scrap.

"He foolishly decided to help himself to a few flag stones which he admits he would have sold to raise a few pounds."