A man has appeared in court accused of stealing a suitcase onboard a train and then attempting to sell its contents on Facebook. Francis Crookston, 55, allegedly took the luggage from a female passenger on a TransPennine Express service between Manchester Piccadilly and Newcastle Central Station.
Alleged Theft on Train
The court heard that the victim noticed her suitcase, worth £1,500, was missing when she went to leave the train at Newcastle. Crookston allegedly stole it while the train was at York station.
Crookston, of St Catherine's Court in Middlesbrough, was arrested by British Transport Police and appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week to face one count of theft by finding. He did not enter a plea.
Court Proceedings
Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said the case was suitable for trial at the magistrates' court. He stated: "This case is brought after a British Transport Police investigation." The incident is said to have happened on a train travelling between Manchester Piccadilly and Newcastle on October 20 last year.
Anieto said Crookston allegedly stole the suitcase from luggage racks in one of the coaches and then tried to sell the contents on Facebook Marketplace.
Next Hearing
Magistrates accepted jurisdiction, but Crookston, representing himself, elected for his case to be heard at the crown court. He was released on unconditional bail and will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on September 1.
