Mental Health Link in Bizarre Swansea Number Plate Theft Case

A 27-year-old Swansea man has been sentenced after stealing multiple car number plates and causing damage to city centre property during a series of early-morning incidents.

Daniel Cooper, of Humphrey Street, pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft and two counts of criminal damage at Swansea Crown Court. The court heard how Cooper was caught damaging an electrical box in Richardson Street, Sandfields, leading police to connect him to earlier number plate thefts in the area.

CCTV and doorbell footage showed Cooper removing plates from parked vehicles on April 24 and 26, storing them in a bag later recovered by officers. He was also identified as responsible for £300 worth of damage to outdoor heaters, barriers, and plants at the Coyote Ugly bar on Wind Street.

Judge Paul Thomas KC noted the “very unusual set of circumstances” surrounding the case, stating that while the motivation “remains a mystery,” the incidents were clearly connected to mental health issues.

Having spent time on remand awaiting psychiatric reports, Cooper received a four-month concurrent sentence for all offences, leading to his immediate release. As he prepared to leave, Cooper simply said to the prison officer: “Home time.”

Judge Thomas addressed the defendant: “I hope you take advantage of the help you are given so you do not end up back where you are.”