Thief who stole from Gardeners Arms pub, cars and B&M

Russell Purfield thanked the magistrates as they told him he would be getting a suspended jail sentence after admitting eight offences.

Magistrates heard the 41-year-old had admitted burglary of The Gardeners Arms, assault by beating, three thefts from a motor vehicle, fraud by false representation, vehicle interference and theft from a shop.

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, told Worcester Magistrates Court the offences took place over a period of 13 months between April last year and May this year.

He said the burglary took place at the pub, in Vines Lane, on May 4 last year when the pub was closed for lockdown, Purfield sneaking in with an accomplice and also taking a cash till.

THEFT: Purfield stole a television from the Gardeners Arms. Picture: Google

He explained the burglary had been caught on CCTV, and Purfield later admitted he was on the premises at the time in a police interview.

The prosecutor said the other offences Purfield had admitted included assault by beating on May 5 this year and stealing cash and jewellery from a car in Worcester on the same date.

COURT: Russell Purfield appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

Purfield also stole a wallet from a vehicle in Evesham on April 4, committed fraud by using a bank card from the wallet the following day, stole documents from a vehicle in Evesham on April 8, and attempted to break into a car in Evesham on April 8 - all this year. 

And he stole Prop Evolution make-up worth £200 from B&M in Evesham on December 6 last year.

Paul Stanley, defending Purfield of Rowlands Court, Bewdley, said he had committed the offences to fund his drug addiction describing him as having a “chaotic lifestyle” .

He stressed the pub burglary had not been a break in using weapons, adding to the magistrates “I wouldn’t want you to think it was anything like that”.

Russell Purfield warned he could to jail if he reoffends

Chairman of the magistrates bench, Kevin Lloyd-Wright, said for the totality of all the offences they were given Purfield a 22 week jail sentence, suspended for a year, but warned him if he did not complete their requirements, or committed another offence, he would be sent to prison.

Purfield was told to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days, and that he had to receive treatment for his drug addiction from Cranstourn in Worcester.

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He was told to pay compensation of £516, with no order for costs or a victim surcharge made as the compensation was made the priority.

Purfield was told this would be deducted from his benefits at a rate of £5 a week.

The case was heard on Monday, (June 6).