Man caught on CCTV 'mooching' around back of Ashington pub and damaging freezer
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveA reveller was captured on CCTV "mooching" around the back of a Northumberland pub before damaging a freezer.
Kurt Ladigus had been drinking in the Fox Cover bar, in Ashington, when he went outside for a cigarette. However, rather than return to the bar, the 41-year-old was caught on camera sneaking around the back area of the premises, a court heard.
The same footage then showed Ladigus repeatedly trying to open a locked freezer with such force that he ended up breaking the handle. Staff realised what had happened and the police were called, South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court was told.
Ladigus, of Ariel Court, in Ashington, has now been ordered to pay £200 compensation to the pub after he pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Prosecutor, Bushra Begum, said: "On April 20 this year, this defendant had gone into the back area of the Fox Cover public house.
"He's captured on CCTV pulling at the freezer door, which was locked at the time and at the back of the establishment. He tugs it a few times and he rips off the door handle.
"He looks around and a member of staff comes out and it's reported to the police. It is good quality CCTV."
The court heard that Ladigus had 12 offences on his record but hadn't been in trouble since 2010. His solicitor, Graham Crouth, added: "He had been in the pub and gone outside for a cigarette, that's outside the rear of the premises.
"He's having a mooch about and he's approached the freezer door. It's a keypad metal lock on the door. He tries the door and the plastic handle bit snaps off. He's no idea why he did it, I don't know what he was expecting to get out the freezer, certainly it won't have alcohol in it."
Ladigus was fined £60 and must also pay £200 compensation, £85 costs and a £16 victim surcharge.
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