Former worker burgled Jewellery Quarter pub

A POPULAR city centre pub was burgled by an ex-worker who raided more than £3,000 from the safe. Lee Corbett sneaked into The Rose Villa Tavern, in the Jewellery Quarter, through an open door on May 16 in 2019. He swiped a set a keys and grabbed a wad of cash from the safe before escaping.

But the manager recognised the 40-year-old ex-employee after viewing CCTV. After he was identified police bizarrely issued him a conditional caution but he failed to repay the money resulting in him being charged.

Corbett, of Ferncliffe Road, Harborne, attended Birmingham Magistrates’ Court and admitted an offence of burglary.

Prosecutor Richard Purchase said: “Mr Corbett attended the public house around 6pm and used a safe key to take £3,130 before making good his escape.

“The manager reviewed CCTV and identified him as an exemployee. He made full and frank admissions and was given a conditional caution. The money was due to be repaid by the end of last year but it wasn’t.”

District Judge David Wain questioned why police thought it was ‘suitable’ to hand him a caution as opposed to taking more serious action.

He emphasised that Corbett had used his ‘past knowledge’ to his advantage and committed the raid whilst the pub was open.

He told the defendant he was ‘extremely fortunate’ but added the offence was now beyond his sentencing powers and committed the case to crown court.

“That doesn’t mean custody inevitable,” Judge Wain said. Corbett was granted unconditional bail and was told to attend Birmingham Crown Court on a date next month.

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