AN award-winning Bridgwater butcher said a burglary before Christmas has 'knocked the stuffing' out of him.

Thieves broke through a steel gate at the back of Regency Butchers in Rhode Lane in the early hours of December 12, damaging locks as they entered the premises.

 

They stole money and were planning to take thousands of pounds worth of meat before the police arrived.

One of the thieves managed to escape, but another - Mark Newbury, 35, of Royal Drive, Bridgwater - was arrested and has since pleaded guilty to theft and will be sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on February 1.

 

Butcher Eugene Gainard was forced to waste more than £4,000 worth of produce the thieves intended to make off with, and has had a further £1,700 worth of damage caused to the shop.

 

"It really knocked the stuffing out of me," Mr Gainard said.

"Thank you to whoever reported the incident because it could have been a lot worse."