Drunk couple up to gnome good

A DRUNK couple who nabbed gnomes in the night are facing a fine for their felony.

Charissa Brown (30) and Christopher Timmins (23), both of Canal Street, Chadderton, were caught on CCTV making off with garden ornaments worth £96.

The victim, who was disturbed by sounds in his garden, awoke to find Ms Brown creeping about.

When he confronted her, Brown said she was looking for her cat, so his wife called the police.

But when he checked the CCTV camera in the morning, it showed her taking items. At one point, the footage showed a man, revealed to be Timmins, helping to carry items away.

Oldham Magistrates’ Court heard how the pair later returned the items, but to the wrong garden — and they had broken a Meerkat ornament worth £10.

Solicitors defending the couple, said the pair felt ashamed and had repeatedly apologised for their actions throughout police interview.

Brown, who told magistrates: “Sorry, it was a stupid mistake,” was asked to pay a fine and costs totalling £130 with £5 compensation.

During the hearing, Timmins, who also pleaded guilty to failing to attend an initial assessment for drug testing, was ordered to complete a nine-month community order. He must also pay costs of £110 plus £5 compensation.