| The following article from The Manchester Evening News of 7 February 1987 MAY APPLY to this person, though there is another candidate: "Justice from above - While vandalising an ornamental street lamp, 19-year-old Stephen Chrimes received poetic justice. For the 2ft lamp top fell directly on to his head, encasing it. But undeterred, Chrimes, of Kingsway, Rochdale, who suffered a cut, claimed compensation from Rochdale Corporation, the town's magistrates heard. He said that the lamp had fallen onto him of its own accord as he walked past. But the insurance claim found him out the court heard. Chrimes said on his claim that the lamp fell on to him but the corporation heard that the police had been told a different story by a nightwatchman. He had seen two youths shaking the lamp in Oldham Road at 2 am and one climbed up the pole, causing the lamp to topple. The insurance company checked with the police who arrested Chrimes and his friend Mark Ratcliffe, also 19, of Devonshire Road, Rochdale. Both denied causing damage and their solicitor, Mr. Sandip Sepi asked the court to believe their story that the lamp had fallen without their interference. Each was fined £20 and told to pay £100 costs and compensation." |
