Man who stole charity clothes bags to give to employees thought they were being thrown out

A man who took bags of clothing which had been left out for collection by a cancer charity, told a judge he had believed they had been thrown out.

Vasile Strajeru, 43, of Hall Gate, Holbeach admitted theft when he appeared before Deputy District Judge Ray Allen-Khimane sitting at Boston Magistrataes Court.

Mark Hudson, for Strajeru, said he owned a construction company, paid himself around £850 a week and had never been in trouble in his life.

He said he had believed the bags had been thrown out at two driveways and were for anyone to pick up as he thought they had been thrown out by the owners.

Mr Hudson said Strajeru did not read English so did not know what was written on the bag and he had intended to distribute the clothing amongst his workers.

He added that Strajeru planned to make a donation to the charity concerned.

The judge imposed a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered Strajeru to pay £107 in court costs and charges.