A suspected thief was locked up for breaching his bail conditions – by eating a BACON ROLL.
Craig Nicholson, 35, was charged with stealing goods from a branch of Farmfoods and was bailed on the condition he did not return to the scene of his alleged crime.
But less than 24 hours later he was spotted by a police officer at the same shopping precinct – eating a bacon sarnie, South Tyneside Magistrates Court heard.
Nicholson, of Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, was arrested for the breach of bail conditions and kept in custody for 72 hours before appearing before magistrates again.
Christopher Brown, defending, told the court it said more about the quality of the shop rather than Nicholson’s behaviour.
He said: “He took a brief chance to get a bacon sandwich. As a result of this, he has been in custody for 27 hours.
“It must speak volumes about the quality of the goods at the shop, which has been recently visited by Princess Anne.
“I would ask for him to be bailed to the same conditions, and he can seek sustenance elsewhere.”
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said: “He was arrested and, when interviewed, said he had been there only to buy a bacon sandwich.”
Elaine McCullough, chairman of the magistrates’ bench, put him back on the same bail until his trial in April.
She told Nicholson: “When you came to court, you obviously weren’t listening.
“For a breach of bail, you can be remanded in custody, but we will give you a second chance.
“If you do feel hungry, we suggest you go to a different sandwich shop.”
