A man caught stealing chocolates from a shop in Solihull has been handed a substantial legal bill, with magistrates remarking that “it was an expensive piece of chocolate.”
Gary Brailey, aged 46 and residing in Harebell Walk, Meriden, was recorded on CCTV filling a bag for life with chocolates at the One Stop store on Station Road, Marston Green. The incident occurred on 20 April.
Brailey was later detained for an unrelated offence in August. During this period, an officer remembered the earlier theft and re-arrested him in connection with the chocolate incident, Birmingham Magistrates’ Court was informed on 23 September.
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Whilst unrepresented in court, Brailey pleaded guilty to a single count of theft from the shop. When magistrates inquired about his motives, he explained, “It was a family dispute. A disagreement with my partner. I had a drink.”
Lead magistrate Mr Crouch imposed a fine of £40, along with a £16 surcharge and prosecution costs amounting to £85, totaling £141. He commented, “It was an expensive piece of chocolate!”
Brailey acknowledged the costs and closed the hearing by wishing the magistrates a “good day.”