South Shields thief who plundered cash and a bank card from a woman’s lost handbag was caught after his victim turned detective

Daniel Horton, 27, of Hedley Close, South Shields, tried to use the woman’s card at a newsagent’s the day after she misplaced her bag during a night out on Monday, December 9.

She only realised it was missing when her bank contacted her the next day to warn that her credit limit had been reached, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

She visited the newsagent’s where Horton had attempted to use the card – and was given his description.

And she then checked a local jewellery store and was told by staff the same suspect had tried but failed to flog them the bracelet.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson said the joint description led her to Horton’s door – but he failed to answer.

However, the next day she spotted him leaving the bag – minus £55 in cash – on her doorstep.

Mr Anderson said: “She found out that the card had been attempted to be used at a newsagent’s in South Shields.

“She went there, and he gave her a description, and it sounded like a man who lived near her.

“A while later the newsagent told her the man had been back and that he had informed him that he knew the card was stolen.”

Mr Anderson added: “A bracelet was also in her bag and she went to a jewellers to see if anybody had been trying to sell it.

“They did not buy it, but they gave the same description.

“She went to his home to confront him, but he didn’t answer. The next day she sees him put the bag on her doorstep.

“Everything was there except for £50 and a £5 silver coin.”

Joanne Gatens, defending Horton, who admitted theft by finding, said: “He would say that he returned the items and all that was missing was the cash.

“You can read between the lines. She has been on a night out and lost her bag. He finds it abandoned on some grass behind some flats.

“His partner had lost her job as an end of life carer, and they were struggling in the run-up to Christmas.

“He was a three-strike burglar to the age of 21 and his family then moved to the North East for a fresh start.

“That is exactly what he has done, but an occasion has presented itself to him. He made the wrong choice.”

The court heard the bag was found in Mile End Road, South Shields, and had contained money, bank cards and jewellery to a combined unknown value.

Horton was ordered to pay Ms Seath £100 compensation and fined £120, with £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Alastair Robson, chair of the bench, told Horton: “We’ll be very disappointed if we find you before us again.”

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