Nottingham: Man used spoon to try to steal cash from Post Office

A man on crutches used a metal spoon in a failed attempt to try to steal cash from a Post Office in Nottingham.

Police said Jelanie Scott entered Hyson Green Post Office, in Gregory Boulevard, at 11:45 GMT on 10 February.

He tried to steal a large amount of cash from behind a security screen by reaching through the letter port with the long metal spoon.

Scott's actions were spotted by staff, who activated a panic alarm, triggering the security smoke system.

As smoke filled the post office, the 36-year-old could be seen hopping away from the scene, at one point dropping a debit card bearing his name.

He then left in a taxi, said Nottinghamshire Police.

The spoon was seized as evidence by police

He pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and was sentenced at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 21 February.

Scott, of Leslie Road, Forest Fields, admitted the offence after being arrested nine days later when police officers spotted him in Forest Road West, Radford.

The force said he told officers he was suffering with his mental health and had taken cocaine and heroin shortly before the incident.

Scott was handed a community order, including a six-month drug rehabilitation programme, and fined £50.

He must also pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

Sgt Mark Southgate, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "[Scott] told officers it was a stupid thing to do and I hope he now reflects on his behaviour and stays out of trouble."

The attempted theft took place at Hyson Green Post Office