UK COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM UNIVERSITYBedford Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & MoreWheels of justice in motion
Burglars caught pushing stolen goods in wheelie bin
The wheels of justice were in force after a group of young men were caught pushing stolen computer equipment through town in a wheelie bin.

Perry John pleaded guilty to burgling De Montfort University's Lansdowne Campus when he appeared at Bedford Magistrates' Court last Monday.

A 17-year-old pleaded guilty to the same charge at Bedford Youth Court on Wednesday and was handed a month's detention and a training order.

The theft took place early on Sunday morning when thieves smashed the window of the campus' reception building.

Finn O'Fathaigh, prosecuting, told the court the culprits entered through the window and stole a computer monitor.

Once inside they smashed through two sets of wooden doors by using fire extinguishers, and then kicked their way through a third door.

During the spree they stole six computer monitors as well as a box containing a small amount of cash.

The offenders were spotted after leaving the campus at 5.25am by an off-duty policeman who happened to be in the area.

He saw them again 15 minutes later pushing a wheelie bin, and officers soon caught up with them at the junction of Conduit Road and Woburn Road.

John hid around a corner while police spoke to his accomplices, who denied any link to the wheelie bin.

When the officers lifted the bin lid, all six monitors were inside.

John was later found close to the same site and arrested.

Simon Cocksedge, defending, admitted John could be led astray by other boys.
"The other part of his life, when he isn't offending, is hard-working and commendable," he said.

Mr Cocksedge added that John had a part-time job at the Asda distribution centre, and hoped to go to university in Portsmouth later this year.

Magistrates delayed sentencing while they waited for pre-sentence reports.

A third man will appear before magistrates on Wednesday.