Town's mayor caught on camera stealing women's underwear

A town mayor, Ian Stafford, has admitted stealing women’s underwear after he was caught on camera by one of his victims.

Stafford, 59, was seen walking into the woman’s bedroom, rifling through her drawers, and selecting a pair of knickers he wanted to wear. The bachelor, who had twice been elected mayor of Preesall and Knott End, near Fleetwood, Lancs, then performed a sex act before leaving the building.

Police later found a collection of underwear, identical to the items reported stolen, at his home.



At Preston Crown Court the disgraced mayor, who carried out the offences while working as a part-time gardener and handyman, pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary. The case was adjourned for reports until February 5.

Stafford has no previous convictions, but Judge Philip Sycamore warned him not to “draw any conclusions” about the severity of his sentence. “All sentencing options are open,” he said.

Stafford resigned his position as mayor in the aftermath of his arrest. Another town councillor has since taken over the chain of office.