Medical executive who stole art worth £10,000 for ‘the buzz’ escapes with a fine

A medical executive who stole almost £10,000 worth of art has walked free from court after only receiving a fine for his string of thefts.

Dental expert James Paddick, 28, stole paintings, jewellery and scuptures from galleries and gift shops during a three-month spree. The medical executive was fined just £2,000 for his crimes – the disgust of his victims. Gallery owner Sarah Whittley said: ‘I’m shocked. The legal system doesn’t seem to be very fair if he can get off like that.’