Notts man spared prison after charity box burglary

Dean Wilkins was “equipped with tools for burglary” when he broke into Wilkinsons, on Central Walk, Hucknall, on August 24.

The offence followed a similar crime, when he burgled Tesco Xtra, on Ashgate Road, Hucknall, on May 16.

Wilkins, 46, of Yorke Street, Hucknall, pleaded guilty to both counts of burglary when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court, on September 16.

He was handed a 26 week sentence because of his previous record of convictions, and because the "two deliberate and intentional burglaries" happened within a short period of time.

But the sentence was suspended and he was ordered to get treatment for his drug addiction and participate in five days of rehabilitation.

Wilkins was also told to pay a victim surcharge of £128 and court costs of £85.