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| Max Bateman posing on Facebook. |
A young Dorset man with aspirations of becoming a police officer has been convicted of burglary and theft.
Max Bateman, 20, of Church Road, Ferndown, admitted three charges of burglary and two charges of theft when he appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on Friday, 7th February 2020.
Magistrates heard that Bateman, who was a volunteer with Dorset Police at the time, broke into the stockroom at Solace Global Maritime in Twin Sails House, Poole, on three separate occasions between January and April 2019.
Bateman, who it would appear is "a bit of a wannabe" given his penchant for dressing up, targeted high-value specialist equipment. During one burglary he stole 16 body armour vests, 36 Kevlar plates, 13 Kevlar helmets, canoe helmet cameras and radios. On further visits to the stockroom he stole a thermal imaging device, two satellite navigation phones and another kevlar helmet.
Non-dwelling burglary, as in this case, is an offence under section 9 of the Theft Act 1968. It is triable either way and has a maximum sentence of 26 weeks' custody on summary conviction or 10 years' custody on conviction on indictment.
The theft charges relate to Bateman stealing various items of uniform from Ferndown police station. Between February and April 2019 he stole police medic epaulettes and a police issue baseball cap belonging to a sergeant.
Theft below the value of £200 is normally dealt with as a summary offence. We have previously written a brief guide to the offence of theft, which readers might find of interest. The maximum penalty for theft is 7 years' custody on conviction on indictment, 6 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
Magistrates sentenced Bateman to 12 weeks' custody suspended for 18 months.
He must also complete 15 days' rehabilitation activity requirement, pay £1,000 in compensation, £115 victim surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: "We received a report of the theft of items from Solace Global Maritime on 18th April 2019.
"Bateman was arrested on 23rd April. Officers became aware of the theft from Ferndown police station that day."
Bateman is no longer associated with Dorset Police.
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