Sunderland career criminal stole iPad from ambulance whilst partner was being treated
A Sunderland career criminal who pinched an Apple iPad from an ambulance while his partner was being treated inside fled a court moments before being jailed for 21 weeks.
Anthony Richmond, 39, hung around long enough to hear the prosecution case against him, his solicitor’s defence – and the judge momentarily adjourn to go out to make her decision.
The drug and booze abuser, of Wentworth Terrace, Bishopwearmouth, was allowed to leave the courtroom but not the court – but scarpered before District Judge Zoe Passfield returned.
In his absence, she jailed him for 12 weeks for pinching the iPad and to a further nine consecutive weeks by activating a suspended sentence, imposed for shoplifting – and issued a warrant for his arrest.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard Richmond, who has 88 convictions from 221 offences, including 99 for theft, stole the £561 device – and its £139 case – on Friday, January 9.
He was heard to bang the ambulance’s door while paramedics were in the rear treating his girlfriend, prosecutor Clare Haswell said.
Richmond then refused to go with her to hospital and it was only when the vehicle arrived at its destination that his crime came to light.
Ms Haswell said: “In Greenwood Road, a female was placed in the back of an ambulance. She was with her partner, the defendant.
“He was slurring his words and was asked to stay outside. The paramedics heard the door ‘bang’.
“When it was about to go to the hospital, he said that he didn’t want to attend. When at Sunderland hospital, it was noticed that the iPad was stolen.
“The iPad is an important part of the ambulance. It is used for patient notes and for guidance. Footage shows he opened the door and took the opportunity.”
Richmond pleaded guilty to a charge of theft from a motor vehicle.
He was handed a 12-week jail sentence for shoplifting, suspended for 12 months, on April 12 last year.
In a report to the court, the Probation Service said Richmond struggles with drugs and alcohol and has mental health issues.
Tom Morgan, defending, insisted Richmond was making progress in his battle with booze and drugs and had sought professional help.
Mr Morgan said his client’s offending was decreasing and the theft was committed when his medication had been suddenly stopped.
He told the judge her options included deferring sentence for Richmond to prove he could stay away from crime in the short term.
Mr Morgan added: “He’s someone who has been to prison many, many times.”