'POPPY' THEFT MAN JAILED

A “DESPICABLE” thief who stole a poppy collection tin on Remembrance Day in Coventry has been jailed.

Trevor Kelly, of Wellington Street, Hillfields, swiped a British Legion charity box from Barclays bank, in Daventry Road, Cheylesmore, just two hours after people across the city stood in respectful silence to commemorate fallen war heroes.

The 33-year-old had already stolen two other poppy donation boxes in the days leading up to Armistice Day. He took one containing £30 from the Belgrade Theatre on November 6 and another, estimated to have held about £50 in spare change, three days later from Hogans Bar and Bistro in Keresley.

Kelly also made off with a collection jar for charity Water Aid from the Premier Inn hotel, in Kenpas Highway, on November 28.

He was arrested on December 10 by a police officer who recognised him from CCTV stills that had been circulated among cops.

Last Friday, Kelly appeared before Coventry Magistrates Court and was sentenced to 15 weeks imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to four counts of theft, and a further five weeks for failing to appear for an earlier court hearing.

Sergeant Greg Richards, of Little Park Street police station, said: “Kelly always dressed smartly to avoid arousing suspicion but, when left alone or out of view, he’d tear the tin free and conceal it under his clothing.

“We’d always encourage charities to secure collection boxes securely with a metal chain, rather than with string, and certainly not to leave them free-standing.

“To steal money destined for the families of soldiers who have either been killed or injured in conflict is despicable – and even more so on the one day we’re asked to respect their
sacrifices.”