September 28, 2017 2.47 pm This story is over 78 months old

“That’s awesome, cheers lads,” shoplifter tells police after being tasered at Lincoln DIY store

He walked out of the store with two crowbars he had “just picked up”.
Photo: Jason Esbain

A shoplifter said “that’s awesome, cheers lads” when he was tasered by police after threatening staff at a Lincoln DIY store with a stolen crowbar, a court heard.

Billy Wright, 20, had the weapon fired at him after he stole two crowbars from the Wickes store in Outer Circle Road.

Wright, of no fixed address, admitted a section four public order offence and two theft charges when he appeared at Lincoln Magistrates Court.

The court heard police were called to the Wickes store on September 21 after Wright walked out of the premises with two crowbars he had “just picked up”.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, said two members of staff challenged Wright, who responded by lifting one of the crowbars in the air and shouting: “I’ll hit you with this.”

Mr Clare said both members of staff felt ‘alarmed and distressed’ by the threat.

Police responded and discharged a taser after Wright ignored several requests to put the crowbar down.

Mr Clare said Wright replied “that’s awesome, cheers lads” when the weapon was fired at him.

The incident happened several days after Wright stole food items from the Cafe Express shop at Lincoln railway station on September 19.

Police found Wright on platform four after he simply walked out of the store without paying.

Wright, who represented himself during the hearing, replied “I don’t know” when he was asked by District Judge Peter Veits to explain his actions.

The case was adjourned for a probation report to be prepared on Wright.

Judge Veits told Wright: “Now you have pleaded guilty, we will see if anything can be done.”