Damien Rigby of Lancaster Road, Hindley, Wigan, faced the consequences of his actions in court after being caught on camera committing a series of thefts and vandalism. The 38-year-old was charged with four counts of theft and four counts of criminal damage, stemming from his exploits in a bowling alley in Warrington.
Appearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court, Rigby admitted to his crimes, which involved plundering arcade machines at the Superbowl UK in Golden Square Shopping Centre. He was sentenced to six months in prison for his brazen acts, where he not only stole money but also caused significant damage to the games he targeted.
On multiple occasions, Rigby was captured on CCTV in the act, using tools like screwdrivers to extract cash from the machines. Despite his attempts at stealth, his activities were noticed by both surveillance cameras and unsuspecting shoppers. In one instance in July, he was caught red-handed and was subsequently apprehended by authorities.
Inspector Lee Hillyard of Cheshire Police condemned Rigby’s actions, highlighting his blatant disregard for others and the property he damaged. Hillyard emphasised that Rigby’s lack of concern landed him not only in prison but also with the responsibility to repay the stolen money and cover the costs of the damages inflicted.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that crime does not go unpunished, with Rigby’s case showcasing the effectiveness of surveillance technology and swift justice. Rigby’s audacious crimes ultimately led to his incarceration and financial restitution, underscoring the consequences of illegal activities in the community.