A POLICE helicopter was called out after a thief was found on the roof of a company warehouse.
Bolton Magistrates’ Court heard how officers arrived after reports of a man on the roof of Edbro Ltd, Lever Street, at around midnight on March 1.
Shazia Aslam, prosecuting, said: “The helicopter crew utilised their light and drew the male out, who presented himself to the officers by walking to the edge of the roof.
“He then climbed down and identified himself.”
Brian Parkinson, aged 52, of Rupert Street, Bolton, was arrested and pleaded guilty to being found on premises for the unlawful purpose of theft, an offence which is part of the Vagrancy Act of 1824.
The court heard that Parkinson has 20 previous convictions for 23 offences, but his last sentence dates back to 2005.
Kimberley Morton, defending, told the court: “He co-operated and asked to come down off the roof and accepts he was there for a dishonest purpose.”
She added that Parkinson, who has mental health problems, had been street homeless, was spending all his benefit money on food and was only receiving minimum payments after being sanctioned.
“He had no money at the time and was just desperate,” said Mrs Morton.
“He apologised for his actions.”
Magistrates sentenced Parkinson to a conditional discharge for 18 months and ordered him to pay a £21 victim surcharge
