Monday, July 27, 2009

RECOVERING ADDICT STOLE BETWEEN PRESCRIPTIONS

A recovering heroin addict was desperate between medication and so she stole to get relief, a court heard.
Lincoln magistrates were told that the woman was seen in a store in Gainsborough where she put packs of boxer shorts in her shopping bag before leaving without paying.
Helen Jones, prosecuting, said the defendant was detained by staff, police were called and she was arrested.
The 30 year old from Gainsborough, admitted theft on April 26 and accepted the offence put her in breach of a conditional discharge imposed for 12 months on October 30 last year.
Lloyd Edwards, representing, said the woman had battled with heroin addiction since the age of 18. She had been put on an alternative drug which reacted badly and made her feel ill so she was told she would have methodone.
“She was desperate in the week without a prescription and so she stole to get some heroin but she was caught which avoided her relapse,” Mr Edwards said.
Magistrates fined her £60 and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of £15. They took no action on the breach and allowed the conditional discharge to run.