£200 FINE FOR MAN WHO STOLE CHAMPAGNE FROM HIS FRIEND’S PUB

A man from Yarmouth has appeared in court after he trespassed into the cellar of his friend’s well-known pub and stole a bottle of champagne. 

Andrew Blair, 45, of St Swithens Crescent, pleaded guilty to burglary other than dwelling (theft) when he stood in the dock on Tuesday (10th March).

Blair had stolen from his friend and the owner of The Woodvale pub in Gurnard, who had invited the defendant and his wife to the seaside establishment.

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The court heard the defendant was obviously intoxicated and was seen by staff going into the cellar, helping himself to a £75 bottle of bubbly, namely a bottle of Laurent Perrier Cuvee Brut champagne.

Blair’s solicitor, Tom Cook, told the court how Blair fully reimbursed the pub when he was able to do so – 2 months later – and that the event was the consequence of a drunken, impulsive decision.

Magistrates sent Blair away with a £197 fine, which he will pay at a rate of £20 a month.