Worksop: Lifeline for drug addict who stole from shops to fund habit

Gary Storey, 32, of Kilton Crescent, pleaded guilty to four thefts and one charge of wasting police time at Worksop Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 13th August.

The court heard that Storey told police on 5th May 2014 that a shed at his parents house - where he was staying whilst they were on holiday - had been burgled, telling officers tools and a pressure washer had been swiped.

Prosecuting, Rod Chapman, said: “Unfortunately a neighbour had seen the defendant prise open the shed door with two screwdrivers.”

“At first the neighbour thought that Storey must have just lost the key but when Storey’s parents arrived home and reported it to the police, the neighbour realised what had happened. Storey then admitted that he did it for money for his drug habit.”

The court then went on to hear that Storey had committed four thefts between May and July 2014 from shops - whilst on conditional discharge - to help pay for his £50 a day heroin addiction.

The thefts included that of an Oral B toothbrush, two candles, two joints of meat and three jars of coffee.

Defending, Moira Macfarlane, said: “All these offences were opportunistic and were silly. But he has been trying to turn his life around and needs some support.”

Storey was sentenced to a 12-months community order with 12-months supervision and ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation programme.

He was also ordered to pay £30.97 in compensation, £200 court costs and fined £100.