Teenager stole legal stationery
A TEENAGER who stole legal documents and Disney stationery worth almost £300 was off his head on valium, a court heard.
Lee Johnson, 18, of London Road, Bexhill, was chased by police and arrested after stealing the items from WH Smith in Hastings on February 3.
He pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court last week.
It put him in breach of a conditional discharge imposed by a court on December 29 for two other offences of theft.
Mark Kateley, prosecuting, said: “He was in the town centre and had a bag which he dropped on the floor when police saw him. There was a chase and he was arrested after a bit of struggle.
“He admitted taking the items, which included packages on how to make a will and tenancy agreements, valued at £292.62, and told police that he had taken some valium that day which had affected him.
“He was given a conditional discharge in December after stealing a hoodie and two jackets worth £100 from TJ Hughes in Eastbourne and cufflinks worth £84 from another shop in Eastbourne.”
A probation officer told the court: “He is a vulnerable person who has been influenced by drug users in the community.”
Ronan Crummy, defending, said: “He was so spaced out he didn’t know what he was doing. You only have to look at the items he stole to see that. They would have had no street value. He does not even know why he stole them.”
Magistrates fined Johnson £75 and allowed the conditional discharge to continue running.
Chairman of the bench Gordon Waters told him: “Your life seems to be in a complete mess.
“Disney goods and legal packs is a strange concoction.
“Any more nicking and you will be back in court and likely to be sent to prison.”
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Monday 28 May 2012
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