Heroin addict struck at two shops to pay for drugs

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on January 9 how Benjamin Nicholls, 40, of Larch Mews, Eastwood, Rotherham, stole goods from Poundland and Primark, at Parkgate Shopping Park centre, in Rotherham, on December 6.

Matthew Duffy, prosecuting, said a manager at Poundland was made aware of a theft and CCTV was checked and the defendant was seen stealing items and security staff were alerted.

Security staff escorted the defendant back to the manager and following a search Nicholls was also found with stolen items from Primark.

He pleaded guilty to the two thefts.

Pari Seeley, defending, said Nicholls is a heroin addict who has mental health issues but he has reduced his methadone intake.

She added that he had been bullied into stealing to pay for heroin.

Nicholls was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £45 costs and a £21 victim surcharge.