Blake Young, accused of stealing approximately £80 worth of baked goods from a self-serve honesty box stall, failed to appear in Boston Magistrate's Court on June 22. The reason cited for his absence was a lack of funds to travel to the court.
Arrangements were made for Young to attend the hearing via video link. Although he was available for most of the day, he did not join the call when his case was ready at 4:45 p.m. The hearing has been adjourned until July 20, and a warrant for his arrest will be issued if he fails to attend the next date.
The incident occurred on May 9 when Young allegedly emptied 25 baked goods from the Treat Street Bake Shed in Spalding, Lincolnshire. The owner, Sabina Seidel, reported that the theft represented half of her stock. Hidden camera footage captured Young opening the shed, covering his face with a red t-shirt, filling a bag with goods, and attempting to open the cash box before leaving. Seidel initially mistook him for a customer.
Treat Street Bake Shed operates on an honesty system, with options for cash payment or online transactions via a QR code. Seidel, who started the business in March, bakes homemade treats and relies on customers' honesty. Following the theft, the community showed support, with the remaining stock selling out on the same day.
Seidel stated that despite the loss, her response was to bake more goods to restock the shed the following morning. She declined an offer of financial support from a customer.
Young, 18, faces charges of theft. This is not the first time he has been summoned for theft. His previous court appearance was on June 22, and the case is now set for July 20.