Thief who stole car keys from bank counter didn't know how to drive

A thief stole a set of keys from a bank counter after they were left behind by a customer.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Mar 2016, 05:00 BST

Mark Adams, aka Marcus Crennell, took the fobs with him after picking them up in Lloyds Bank on Southwick Green, on February 19, Sunderland magistrates heard.

Prosecutor Glenda Beck said the items included key fobs for a Nissan and a Ford vehicle, and for the roller shutters of the owner’s shop, as well as a house key, worth in total £500.

Adams was caught after the manager checked the CCTV and identified Adams from a banking slip.

The keys were found at Adam’s home in nearby Gordon Terrace and he admitted theft.

John Griffith, defending, said: “Mr Adams can’t drive and he had no idea which vehicles the keys were for. It was a moment of madness he can’t explain. He has no use for these items.”

Adams was fined £120, £85 costs and £20 surcharge.