A SHOP employee chased two men around Welshpool after they stole a vacuum cleaner worth over £500.

Lee Perry had travelled to Powys from the Midlands with a friend on May 26 this year. They entered BJs Electrical on Berriew Street and, after they left, Neil Jarman said to a colleague he believed they had stolen something.

It turned out they had taken a Dyson hoover worth £569.99. Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Mr Jarman chased Perry – who even returned to the shop for a second time – around Welshpool, but to no avail.

However, Perry, 48, has since been hoovered up by authorities, having been recalled to prison in relation to a previous offence. He will be imprisoned until early 2025.

County Times:

He appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 19, via videolink from HMP Oakwood in Staffordshire, and pleaded guilty to theft.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said police were called to the electrical store after Mr Jarman reported the theft.

“He said two men had been in and stolen an item, they had Midlands accents. Mr Jarman followed them through Welshpool before losing them,” said Mrs Tench.

“PC Willis obtained CCTV footage and could see the defendant had picked up a hoover, a Dyson, which was on offer for £569.99, and walked out.

“Mr Jarman said to a colleague he thought they’d taken something. The two males then returned; Mr Jarman was unsure if it was the same men. He interacted with him then they backed out of the store. They left and he followed in pursuit.

“Lee Perry was recognised from facial recognition. The item was not recovered.

“He travelled into the area to commit the offence, so there was some degree of planning, and he returned to the store.”

Mrs Tench said Perry, of Woodsworth Road, Willenhall, near Wolverhampton, had an “extensive” list of previous convictions.

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Representing himself, Perry said: “I apologise for the offence, it shouldn’t have happened, but I can’t turn back the clock.”

His crime has since caught up with him though, as he added: “I have been recalled to prison now, I’m here until March 2025, so I just have to accept the punishment.”

Magistrates told Perry he would serve an additional four weeks in custody for theft, although this will be served concurrently.

He was ordered to pay £570 compensation to BJs Electrical.