‘Threatened’ man stole laptop

A MAN who stole a £500 laptop was being hounded by loan sharks, his lawyer told magistrates.

Arron Woodhall (20) was threatened along with his girlfriend and family, claimed solicitor Gina Clayton.

“He was desperate and sold the laptop to get the loan sharks off his back,” Miss Clayton told magistrates in Manchester.

Woodhall, of Plymouth Street, Oldham, admitted charges of theft and attempted theft from Carphone Warehouse in January.

He was sentenced to 286 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £686 compensation and £85 costs.

Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said Woodhall tried to steal another computer two days later but was spotted by staff.

Both incidents were captured on CCTV and Woodhall was arrested months later, the court heard.