Thief helped steal £60,000 of copper wire from Leeds sewage plant but gave 'nonsense' explanation
Thief spun story after being caught stealing from sewage plant, but was warned to come clean by judge.
A thief was part of a masked team that tried to steal huge amounts of copper wiring from a sewage plant, but claimed he knew nothing of the criminal intent until it unfolded.
Dean Carswell was told by a judge at Leeds Crown Court that his story was “nonsense”, and then threatened to lock him up until he told the truth.
Judge Ray Singh asked: “Were you fast asleep? What did you think was happening?
“How did you think it was a legitimate job when they put balaclavas on?
“It’s nonsense to suggest you only found out.
“We all live in the real world. You are a persistent thief.”
He rejected the basis and told the 56-year-old he could “have his trial” but would have to remain on remand until then.
Carswell, who has a lengthy criminal record for dishonesty, quickly backtracked and accepted the Crown’s case, that he was part of a gang and was fully aware of the plan to steal.
Prosecutor Zanisha Herbert said that Carswell was with at least four other men in a van bearing false registration plates on the evening of May 2, 2024.
They entered the Knostrop treatment works in Stourton and got out wearing masks and carrying tools, including bolt cutters.
They stripped copper wiring from a generator, loading it onto the van.
But employees sprung into action and blocked in the van. The group scattered but Carswell was detained until police arrived.
He then gave a no-comment interview to police.
It was estimated the wire they loaded unto the van had a value of around £60,000.
Carswell, of Methley Road, Castleford, has 33 convictions for 65 offences, including 30 for theft.
Mitigating, Catherine Duffy said he had “got in with the wrong crowd”. She said he was in ill health having suffered a heart attack last year.
She said he had also been drug-free for several years.
Judge Singh told him: “Over the last 15, 20 or even 30 years you have been stealing.
“This was planned, there’s no doubt about it.”
He gave Carswell a 15-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and gave him 20 rehabilitation days to complete.