Buxton man stole dog bed while carrying out community service

High Peak Magistrates’ Court heard how a supervisor was approached by another person carrying out unpaid work at the Chinley site on January 2, informing them that Wayne Fagan, 31, had put something in his bag. A check was carried out and it was discovered that a dog bed, which had been for sale in the garden centre shop, was missing.

Jennifer Fitzgerald, prosecuting, said the defendant’s bag was bulging and the dog bed could be seen sticking out of it. He immediately admitted the offence.

The court heard that several reports and assessments had been prepared which provided additional details on Fagan, including regarding his health, and highlighted his unsuitability for unpaid work.

Annis Rowlands, defending, said matters had progressed for her client since January and there had been valuable support provided by the probation service.

Mrs Rowlands said the reports revealed that Fagan had “fallen through the net” previously, but that he was now working with appropriate agencies.

“The mainstay in his improved behaviour is because of his dog Taz who he acquired at the end of May last year,” explained Mrs Rowlands.

“He has his own complexities and issues, but there has been a major turning point for this particular defendant.

“It doesn’t help his offending as it focuses on the dog rather than him, but there has been a great change in his make-up and behaviour.”

Fagan, of Spring Gardens, was given a new community order to replace the existing order - which was deemed unworkable due to the findings of the assessments - and for the new theft offence.

The 12-month community order includes a four-week curfew between the hours of 9pm and 8am, plus a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also ordered to pay a £60 government surcharge. No order was made for costs.