A MAN has been jailed for 12 months after stealing music equipment worth almost £11,500 from a Salisbury-based company.

Aiden McCulloch, 28, of Thetford, Norfolk, admitted the theft when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday (September 21).

On November 16, McCulloch booked expensive DJ equipment for hire from a small family-run company based in Salisbury.

He travelled down from Norfolk to collect the equipment having paid a deposit, but failed to return the items as had been agreed.

When the owners contacted him, he became verbally abusive and aggressive towards them.

Witlshire Police says with assistance from colleagues in Norfolk Constabulary, a thorough investigation was carried out and McCulloch was located and interviewed and the case was eventually brought to court.

PC David Griffith, of the Community Policing Team based at Bourne Hill, said: “This case involved a small, hard-working local company providing an honest service to the public. Then, due to the callous and calculated actions of McCulloch, they were left without their equipment and at real risk of financial collapse. This was understandably extremely upsetting and distressing.

“The company’s rental procedures were well defined, adhered to and provided a solid foundation for the investigation process to start from, which helped lead to this sentence of imprisonment imposed by the court.

“Although sadly the equipment was never recovered, I hope this case sends a clear message that we will, where necessary, work with our colleagues across the country to ensure justice is done.”