A TEENAGER who cashed pension vouchers which had been taken in a burglary at the home of a war veteran, walked free from court yesterday.
Kristopher Butler, 19, agreed to forge signatures on retirement and war pension books which were taken from Gerald Needham during a raid at his home in Jarrow, South Tyneside, in April last year.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Butler cashed vouchers from the books at Boldon Colliery post office, obtaining more than £350.
He was caught after the books were seized by the post office.
Butler said he knew nothing of the burglary but had been approached by an unknown man who asked him to help cash the books. He said he received nothing in return.
Butler, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and obtaining by deception.
Butler, of The Willows, Jarrow was conditionally discharged for a year and ordered to pay £250 costs.
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