Blackpool: From the courts 09-05-18

Phillip Fuller, 36, theft

A man turned to drugs and then crime after he discovered his wife of 15 years had been cheating on him and his marriage broke down a court was told.

Phillip Fuller raided the same store four times only to be being detained when a sharp-eyed security guard recognised him from CCTV footage as stealing previously.

Fuller, 36, of Carleton Avenue, Bispham, who appeared at court via the video link, pleaded guilty to four offences of theft.

He was given a 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £215 compensation by Blackpool magistrates.

Prosecutor, Kerry Grieve, said Fuller stole Smart watches valued at £90 from B and M Bargains, Whitegate Drive on March 19, and the next day returned to the store and took £75 of the same watches.

On March 22 Fuller again targeted the shop stealing two toothbrushes valued at £50 and returned a second time the same day to take headphones costing £20.

Defence lawyer, Brett Chappell, said Fuller, whose last offence of dishonestly took place in the 1990’s, had pleaded guilty immediately.

Mr Chappell said his client had turned to heroin after his marriage came to an abrupt end when he found out his wife was cheating on him.

He then turned to crime to fund his drugs habit.

17-year-old, burglary

A teenager has appeared at court accused of burgling a private garage in Poulton while he was on bail.

The 17-year-old Blackpool boy, who can not be identified for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to the burglary and was rebailed.

Prosecutor, Kerry Grieve, said it was alleged the boy had committed the burglary while he was on bail in which he had to keep a curfew, for burglary offences.

The prosecutor added that four days previously the defendant had appeared before the court and admitted breaching his curfew.

Suzanne Mugford, defending, asked for bail for her client.

Scott Needham, 28, possessing cannabis with intent to supply

A man found with cannabis with a street value of more than £18,000 has appeared at court.

Scott Needham, 28, of The Crescent, South Shore, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply the drug.

He also admitted possession of ecstasy.

Needham was bailed to appear for sentence at Preston Crown Court on June 6.

Prosecutor, Pam Smith, said police found Needham in possession of 3,171 grams of cannabis on October 29 in Blackpool.

The street value of the drug was said to be up to £18,300.

Defence lawyer, David Charnley, said his client’s last conviction had been in 2007 for cannabis possession.

He asked for pre-sentence reports on Needham.

Joanne Humphries, 37, theft

A woman was congratulated by magistrates for turning her life round.

Joanne Humphries is beating her addiction to drugs like heroin and crack cocaine, magistrates were told.

Humphries, 37, of Furness Avenue, Grange Park, admitted stealing two bottled of perfume valued at £27 from TK Maxx.

The offence took place over a year ago and her lawyer Gerry Coyle said: ”She has since been dealt with for other matters.

“I don’t know how this offence has taken over a year to come to light.

“She has been given a support system which she is following and is doing well.”

Humphries was given a six month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £20 victims surcharge.

Jane Smith, 54, breaching a criminal behaviour order

A Blackpool woman has admitted twice breaching a criminal behaviour order.

Jame Smith, 54, of Withnell Road, South Shore, had her cases adjourned for three weeks.

Smith admitted making hoax calls to Lancashire Police which she is banned from doing by her court order.

Magistrates agreed to the adjournment so that Smith can be assessed by a mental health professional.

Lance Wright, 28, possession of cannabis and drug driving without insurance and not in accordance with his licence

A tattooist handed some small containers containing cannabis to police when his car was stopped.

Lance Wright, 28, of Harrison Mews, St Davids Road South, St Annes, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and drug driving without insurance and not in accordance with his licence.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £80 with £85 costs and ordered to pay £30 victims’ surcharge.