A Staffordshire man who was 'living on a stone church floor' has admitted stealing £170 worth of goods from Boots after 'falling off the wagon'.
Theft in Leek
Damien Carter, aged 42, entered the Boots store in Leek on April 10 and helped himself to a number of items, including face cream, deodorant and shower gel. He had 'little recollection' of the theft because he had 'foolishly' taken two zopiclone tablets.
Court Appearance
At North Staffordshire Justice Centre, the court heard that all the stolen goods had been recovered and were suitable for resale. Carter, who has 37 previous convictions for 73 offences, told police he had taken the tablets and his memory of the incident was hazy.
Iain Haley, mitigating, said: 'He has been a user of illicit substances since he was aged 15. It has dawned on him that he needs to change his ways. This was a falling off the wagon, a relapse. He is living on the stone floor at St Luke's Church in Leek. He was living in a tent at the end of the street. He has seen the light at the end of the tunnel. On this day he foolishly took two zopiclone tablets. He has little recollection of the theft occurring.'
Sentence
Carter, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.
