July 8, 2010 10.36 am This story is over 163 months old

Shoplifter claims he made a mistake

Shoplifting: A man who stole designer perfumes from Boots said there was no reason for the theft other than his own stupidity.

Shoplifter Richard Paul Box made a mistake when he stole more than £200 of designer fragrances, a court heard.

Lincoln magistrates were told the 23-year-old was spotted in Boots where he picked up Chanel, Armani, Diesel, and Paul Smith perfumes which he put into a friend’s bag.

Paul Wood, prosecuting, said he was stopped as he left the store and all the items were returned.

“They also found in his possession a memory card and a mobile phone cover which had been taken from the Carphone Warehouse,” Mr Wood said.

Box of Escombe View, Lincoln, admitted theft on May 12.

He said there was no reason for the theft other than his own stupidity. “It was a mistake and I’ve learned my lesson. These things were not mine to take,” he said.

Magistrates fined him £100 and ordered him to pay £40 costs, and a £15 victim surcharge.

Photo: Paul Indigo