Blake Young, 18, of Spignall, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to theft at Boston Magistrates' Court and was fined £333. The court heard via video link that Young stole half of the stock from the Treat Street Bake Shed in Spalding, Lincolnshire, on May 9. The value of the 25 baked goods was £80.
Owner Sabina Seidel had installed a hidden camera in the shed, which recorded Young filling a plastic carrier bag with the treats and leaving without paying. He was identified through doorbell footage and interviewed by police on May 26. During the interview, Young stated he had been homeless for two months and was struggling with his mental health. He also said he did not expect his actions to have serious consequences due to the nature of the honesty box system.
Young explained that he stole the baked goods because it was his cousin's birthday the following day and he wanted to get him a present. He added that he intended to pay for the items at a later date and expressed his apologies to Ms. Seidel, stating his willingness to make amends.
Presiding Justice Jennifer Frere-Cook ordered Young to pay a £120 fine, £80 in compensation to Ms. Seidel, £85 in prosecution costs, and a £48 victim surcharge, totaling £333. Ms. Seidel, who started the cake shed in March as a way to pursue her dream of owning a bakery, noted that the community showed significant support after the theft, with the remaining stock selling out the same day.
Young had initially been summoned to court on June 22 but did not attend, citing a lack of funds to travel. Arrangements were then made for him to join the proceedings via video link.