POLICE have charged a man in connection with a Grinch-style theft in which toys destined for sick children in hospital were allegedly stolen.
Desmond Murtagh, 23, of Warren Avenue, Southampton, handed himself into police last night after a Daily Echo appeal for information.
Murtagh was charged with theft and will appear before Southampton magistrates next Thursday.
The breakthrough in the investigation comes after the Daily Echo showed CCTV footage of a man apparently taking toys from a collection box at Pizza Hut in Shirley that had been donated for children facing Christmas in hospital.
Staff and organisers of the toy appeal spoke of their shock at the alleged theft, which was branded "the lowest of the low."
A sack of toys was subsequently returned to the takeaway store with an anonymous apology letter attached.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article