The Clerk of the Court was on duty when Steve McDonald appeared during January 1992 at the City Magistrates Court on a charge of handling stolen goods. He had sold a radio to Derek Wilton which had been taken from Alf Roberts' car by Carl Redfern, a friend of Steve's and his gang. When Alf recognised the radio and proved to Derek's satisfaction that it was his, Audrey Roberts called in the police. Steve was the only one to face the court as the police dropped the case against Redfern due to "inconsistencies". The clerk asked Steve to confirm his name, address and date of birth and then asked how he pleaded. Steve confirmed guilty and, after his solicitor Miss Cassidy had spoken up for him, the magistrates fined him £100, to be paid back at £5 per week.