43-year-old Michael Bunce and 37-year-old Rachael Dixcey have appeared in court charged with stealing a bag of meat from Asda supermarket in Newport.
Dixcey, of Manor Cresent in Newport, pleaded guilty to the theft when she appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Bunce, of Sunset Close in Freshwater, also pleaded guilty.
Ann Smout, prosecuting, explained to the court that the duo had entered Asda at around 17:30 on 8th October and headed to the meat aisle. It’s there that they filled a bag with meat worth around £60 and headed towards the checkouts.
Dixcey is said to have purchased 2 small items but did not pay for the bag full of meat, walking out of the store with Bunce. The duo failed to stop for security and ran from the area.
CCTV footage helped identify the pair and the matter was reported to the Police.
Defending, Oscar Vincent said his client had been led astray by Bunce and that she was deeply sorry for and ashamed of her behaviour. Mr Vincent said that at the time of the offence Dixcey was in a vulnerable state and suffering from mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
Michael Bunce also pleaded guilty to stealing a bag of meat from the same supermarket just 22 hours beforehand. The prosecution told the court that Bunce had entered Asda on 7th October at approximately 19:00 and stole a bag of meat, mainly steaks. He walked out of the store without paying but was apprehended by security, who were able to recover the goods worth £45.
The court heard that Bunce appeared in court on 17th September charged with theft, for which he received a community order.
For Bunce, Barry Arnett said that his client has battled with drugs issues for 20 years but was making ‘tremendous steps forward’, but was still suffering from mental health issues including Aspergers and possibly bipolar. A probation report highlighted that Bunce was engaging well and had recently tested negative for drugs.
Magistrates decided to continue Michael Bunce’s existing community order but imposed a curfew on him for a period of 6 weeks, between the hours of 18:00 and 06:00. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £30 compensation alongside a £95 surcharge.
Rachael Dixcey was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs, £30 compensation and a £22 surcharge.
bunce – another regular in the IE crime section reporting – complete deadbeat, that uses all sorts of pathetic, whiny excuses for his pitiful existence.
recently tested negative – priceless – perhaps if they repeated the test about 24 hours later and without warning it would not be negative. Junkie waster.
Erm both drug addicts
There’s a regular supply of drugs in Freshwater, unhindered by any Police intervention. So it’s right on their doorstep when they want it, delivered by motorbike.
It’s becoming like pot town here – concerned residents are left to cope as best they can.
try testing the idiot for drugs every day. I bet he fails within a week!
Does anybody without mental health issues ever end up in court nowdays?
There for the grace of God go I.
Hardly bonnie and Clyde are they.
Why don’t you start picking on the rich and criminal bankers and hedge fund raisers and all the second home owners who buy to rent whilst people remain homeless. And the so called “trickle down economy” that don’t.
Stop picking on the little people, because they are an easy target, and go for the tax evaders instead.
So true x
My sister Rachael did not blame anyone,keep your nasty opinions to you as you do not know the full facts!