The News

A thief was today branded ‘despicable’ after he sunk to stealing poppy boxes for war veterans.

Mark Flynn, 32, took two Poppy Appeal boxes during a spate of thefts last year.

And when Remembrance Day had passed he then went on to steal a charity box from St John Ambulance.

When he appeared at Fareham Magistrates’ Court he admitted the collection box thefts, as well as two counts of shoplifting. He showed no emotion or remorse.

Flynn – pictured on page one – of Swanton Close, Stubbington, Fareham was given a 12-month community order, a 12-month supervision order and told he had to complete a six-month alcohol treatment programme.

His crimes were branded despicable by ex-servicemen and the charities involved.

Allen Parton, 49, of Walburton Way, Clanfield, was left disabled after serving in the first Gulf War. The British Legion, which runs the annual Poppy Appeal, has helped him and his family.

He said: ‘It’s very upsetting. The people that money helps have fought for the rights of others, to live free lives.

‘Every penny matters. There are servicemen who can’t afford to pay their electricity bill, and veterans who would rather contemplate suicide than ask for help.

‘The British Legion offers support and dignity. The money they raise is life-changing.’

Rosemary Ophaus, welfare officer for the British Legion, said: ‘It’s a despicable crime. This man has stolen twice – once from the people who really need that money and once from the public who are kind enough to donate.’

Flynn’s thefts began on October 30 last year, when he stole a Poppy Appeal box from the HSBC bank in Fareham.

He then stole a second poppy box from Crofton News at Stubbington on November 11. He was caught on CCTV on both occasions.

He stole a St John Amb-ulance box from The Castle in The Air pub in Fareham, on January 2. And he was caught shoplifting from Boots in Fareham on February 2, and the Co-op in Cuckoo Lane, Stubbington, on February 3.

Flynn has also been ordered to pay compensation of £38 to the Co-op, £23 to Boots, costs of £60, and a fine of £182.

rachel.hine@thenews.co.uk