Man jailed after stealing Poppy Appeal Box in Chester

Wednesday, 15 November 2023 14:46

A 46-year-old man has been jailed after admitting taking a charity collection box from McDonalds in Chester.

William McArd of no fixed address pleaded guilty to the theft of a charity collection box belonging to the Royal British Legion at Chester Magistrates Court on 14 November and was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. This was on top of an eight week suspended sentence from a prior offence that has now been triggered. He was also ordered to pay compensation totalling £154.

He stole the Poppy Appeal box from McDonalds, Foregate Street on 5 November. McDonalds staff alerted police that he was back in the store on 12 November, and he was duly arrested and charged with the offence.

DS Helen Newman said:

“I am pleased that McArd has been immediately sent to prison as a result of this offence. It is despicable to steal from any charity, but to steal a Poppy Appeal Box six days before Armistice Day shows a truly shocking disrespect for all those brave people who have served their country so selflessly.”

More from Local News

Continued parking chaos at Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Fflint Wrecsam, is once again urging the public to sign a petition calling for action to resolve parking issues at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
Residents invited to have their say on draft Transformation Strategy

Residents are being encouraged to have their say on Flintshire County Council’s plans for improving and modernising services over the coming years.
Family of "beautiful" son who died following Chester collision pay tribute

The family of a man who sadly died following a motorbike collision in Backford have paid tribute to him.
Chester and Wirral Football League - Weekend Round Up

Here are the latest results from the Chester and Wirral Football League...
Back to the Future event to be held at Picturehouse Cinema

Anyone with an interest in the evolution and future of Chester is invited to attend the Back to the Future event on Tuesday 20th October at 4 - 5pm at the Chester Picturehouse.
Children and families in Cheshire to benefit from new Child Focused Courts approach

Children and families across Cheshire are set to benefit from a major new approach to family justice designed to reduce delays, improve support for victims of domestic abuse, and ensure children's voices are heard throughout court proceedings.
Stoptober encourages residents to quit smoking as 100-day countdown to a smoke-free generation begins

People across Cheshire West and Chester are being encouraged to join this year's Stoptober campaign and make October the month they quit smoking for good.
Residents invited to help shape the future of Whitby Park

Video

Residents, visitors and park users are being invited to help shape the future of Whitby Park by taking part in a new survey that will inform a long-term masterplan for the popular Ellesmere Port green space.
WREXHAM COMMUNITY THEATRE COMPANY RETURNS WITH BRAND NEW SHOW IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN

With Halloween just around the corner, a Wrexham-based community theatre company is set to return to the stage with a production of a quirky horror comedy musical.
Blues Match Report: Lower Breck 1 - 2 Chester

Video

A brace from Ruben Butt on his full Chester FC debut earned progression to the Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.
Cheshire West and Chester supports Fairtrade Fortnight 2026

Residents across Cheshire West and Chester are being encouraged to support fairer pay for farmers and workers around the world as the borough marks Fairtrade Fortnight 2026.
Snapchat drug dealers sentenced

Two men who used snapchat to deal cannabis on a commercial scale in Chester have been sentenced.
Appeal for information following serious collision in Chester

Police officers investigating a collision in Chester are appealing for information and witnesses.
Parents warn of “catastrophic tragedy” as school transport cuts leave 11-year-olds stranded on the A41

Tattenhall parents warn of “catastrophic tragedy”, as school transport cuts leave 11-year-olds stranded and standing on dangerous A41 route
Live Facial Recognition technology to be deployed in Chester this weekend

Cheshire Constabulary will be deploying Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in Chester city centre.
Road to reopen as part of town centre

As part of an experimental trial, Flintshire County Council is to reopen Brunswick Road in Buckley to through traffic and introduce convenience parking from Monday 21st September 2026.
£1 bus travel launched for young people across Cheshire West and Chester

Young people aged 16 to 19 in Cheshire West and Chester will be able to travel on buses for just £1 per single journey.
Peak Cluster carbon capture and pipeline project in Cheshire West and Chester

Cheshire West and Chester Liberal Democrats have joined the near-unanimous cross-party opposition to the controversial Peak Cluster carbon capture and pipeline project in Cheshire West and Chester.
Officers out in force in Blacon for Operation Decisive

Officers have been out in force across Blacon as part of Operation Decisive.
Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order finalised for Blacon

Cheshire West and Chester Council has now formally ‘made’ the Blacon Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order, following a successful referendum on 20th August 2026.

Man jailed after stealing Poppy Appeal Box in Chester

More from Local News

Comments