Homeless thief stole from couple, pawned items at Cash Converters

Reagan Wilmott, now of Dent Close, Worcester, admitted theft when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday.

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The 19-year-old stole a Sony camera, two soldering irons, a SanDisck PC hard drive, a platinum ring and a gold necklace from Colin and Suzanne Bunce on February 21, two people who had opened their home to him as part of the charity initiative Nightstop.

GUILTY: Reagan Wilmott betrayed the very people who put themselves out to help him, throwing their own doors open to him. He rewarded their kindness by stealing from them. Photo: West Mercia Police.

Sarah Woulfe, prosecuting, said for the last two years Mr Bunce had worked as a volunteer for the charity which offered temporary accommodation, providing a roof and support for the defendant who was homeless at the time.

A week after he had been staying with them they noticed the external hard drive was missing (valued at £130). Wilmott was asked about it but claimed he 'hadn't seen it' said Miss Woulfe.

On February 18, Mrs Bunce, who had planned to take some photos that day, discovered her camera valued at £250 was missing.

They then identified that two soldering irons worth £70 and £20 had also gone. The jewellery he took was of a value unknown.

"They suspected Mr Wilmott had taken the items because the items going missing coincided with the times he had been residing at their property and there was nobody else in the house at that time" she said.

Further investigation revealed that Wilmott had pawned the items at Cash Converters in Worcester.

PAWNED: Reagan Wilmott went to Cash Coverters in Worcester to take his haul of stolen items. 

Mr Bunce said in a victim personal statement: "This has destroyed me."

He added: "This whole incident has made me feel angry someone we tried to help has betrayed us in this way."

Wilmott made full and frank admissions in interview. "He was apologetic for what had happened" said Miss Woulfe.

He had no previous, relevant convictions. He had a conviction for stalking from January.

Mark Sheward, defending, said Wilmott had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had sold his own phone to get the camera back. The theft was committed to fund his cannabis habit.

"He tried his best to return that property" said the solicitor.

PLEA: Reagan Wilmott admitted the offence at Worcester Magistrates Court

Wilmott, who was already subject to a community order, was made subject to another, stand-alone community order for 12 months to include 40 extra hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £470, costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £95.