Men caught stealing lead off Bower Ashton campus roof

Two bumbling local thieves have pleaded guilty to trying to steal lead plates off a roof on the Bower Ashton campus.

Nigel Griffin and Sean Quinn had climbed up scaffolding on the side of the building and were spotted on the roof by a uni CCTV operator, who notified police.

When the authorities arrived, Griffin gave himself up while Quinn was found trying to hide on the other side of the roof.

The building the men climbed onto

Judge Alistair McGrigor said to the men: “You were both found on the roof of the university, clearly looking to steal whatever you could find.

“You were spotted and therefore nothing of value was taken.”

Quinn was fined £350 with £150 costs and a £35 surcharge.

Griffin was given a 12-month community order and fined £250 with £200 costs and a £60 surcharge.

Caroline Harvey, defending Quinn, said to the court: “They both accepted going on to the roof to look for whatever metal they could find.”

The court also heard that Griffin is on benefits and in a committed relationship with five children at home.

He said he also cares for his 86-year-old grandmother by doing her weekly shopping.

Mr Jones, representing Griffin, told the court: “He wants to find employment in the building trade. He would welcome education and training.”

The university is yet to make a statement on the event.