A VETERANS’ campaigner says a junkie who stole a Poppy Appeal collection tin should be sent to Afghanistan to teach him a lesson.

Norman Brown believes a spell on the front line would make Spencer Webber think again about stealing from our heroic servicemen and women and their families.

This is the moment Spencer Webber casually steals a charity tin for the Poppy Appeal.

Mr Brown, chairman of the Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh branch of the Royal British Legion, spoke out after heroin user Webber admitted the theft.

He said: “He should be put in a khaki suit and sent off to Afghanistan to see what the lads and lasses are doing and the injuries they are suffering. That would make him realise things are not for the taking.”

Caught on CCTV Webber, of Strand Street, in Eastleigh, only admitted stealing the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal tin, containing about £50, on the day of his trial at Southampton Magistrates’ Court – even though he was caught red-handed on CCTV.

The 30-year-old was warned he faces prison when he returns to court for sentencing on March 1.

District judge Anthony Callaway said: “It is the lowest of the low – to steal a poppy tin like this. In the old days you would get six months in any court without a blink. You are a thief, a despicable thief and you need to go to prison. Taking a British Legion poppy tin is disgusting.”

On hearing this, Webber, who had turned up late to court, jumped to his feet and said: “I feel the same sir.”

The court was shown security camera film of Webber sauntering into the Co-op in Fair Oak Road, Eastleigh, and hovering around the till area.

When he was sure no one was looking he reached out and grabbed the tin.

Daily Echo: Norman Brown believes Webber should spend time on the front line in Afghanistan.Norman Brown

He then hung around the shop with the tin in his pocket for another minute or two, said Marie Fittal, prosecuting.

The Co-op refunded the Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford branch of the Royal British Legion with £50, donations destined for veterans or their families.

When interviewed by police, Webber denied he was the thief in the CCTV recording.

Miss Fittal said: “He said it looks like me and my jacket but I never stole the poppy tin.”

Chris Gager, defending, said his client was “deeply ashamed” of his actions.

He said: “At the time of his offending he had a relapse. He went back to his old ways of using heroin and problems developed.”

A spokesman for The Co-op said: “We were appalled at the theft of the British Legion collection tin from our store on Fair Oak Road, Eastleigh, and we’re pleased a conviction has been made.

“We had already reimbursed the charity with funds to cover their loss and the insult to customers who had generously donated money in our store, and we will continue to support local groups in the area in a variety of ways.”