37-year-old James Smith has been ordered to complete a 6-month drug rehabilitation programme after admitting to stealing a carrier bag full of steak and a whole chicken.
Smith, currently of Landguard Manor Road in Shanklin, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday (18th May) where he pleaded guilty to theft from a shop to the value of £36.67.
The court heard how Smith entered the Co-Operation on Regent Street, Shanklin at around 18:00 on the evening of 18th April this year. He proceeded to the meat section where he took all of the steak on sale, as well as a whole chicken, and placed the products into a carrier bag. He then walked out of the shop making no efforts to pay.
Ann Smout, prosecuting, said that James steals to feed himself and his drug habit. He was caught when staff recognised him from CCTV footage.
Defending, Mr Farley said his client wanted to get the ‘monkey off of his back’ but has a problem with substance abuse, although he doesn’t want to be like that forever. He highlighted that Smith does already attend his probation appointments for previous convictions.
Magistrates handed James Smith a community order with a 6-month drug rehabilitation requirement.
He used to me a nice guy, 20 years ago
now is a pisshead skank,
As skanks go,he is one of the better ones, I know he has been trying to get off that s**t for years, hopefully this will help him, there for the grace of God Go I, ps can I have my tenner back please x
Next time put dark glasses on, with mask never recognise you then.
This fella needs to get off drugs. Drugs ruin people’s lives. I don’t understand what the fascination is. They have to steal to fund their habit. They destroy their mind and well being along with their physical appearance. Hopefully this fella will attend the rehab course, learn something, wake up and stay off whatever rubbish he is putting into his body. It’s sad really.
the fascination is the buzz/high and sense of security within the drug that you get – similar to those feelings of confidence people get after a couple of alcoholic drinks – aka dutch courage.
sadly, as in all cases, the wrap around comfort blanket that drugs provide in the beginning, slowly become a restrictive, suffocating, straight jacket that there appears to be no escape from.
Unless totally mental, then all know of the risks, so don’t expect any help or sympathy. Needs putting down
I say, that is a bit harsh!
Maybe, but sick of so called decent people doing drugs and then we all suffer costs or agro, when they knew better.
Humans not an endangered species, so no loss to mankind.
I say Jerry that is very harsh, your only one mistake away from joining the addiction crew, trust me I know.
The problem is that it’s the people around users that bring them down. They may successfully break the habit but if they are hanging around with their so called friends afterwards it’s easy to start again. A complete new start is what’s required.