Drug addict returned to crime to buy heroin

A former prolific offender reverted to crime when he missed getting his heroin substitute and wanted to buy street drugs.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Apr 2016, 07:00 BST

Marc Fareham, 43, of Derby Road, North Shore, pleaded guilty to theft.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said staff at the resort’s Wilko store checked CCTV, which showed Fareham taking hair straighteners.

Fareham told police he had sold them for £15 each to buy heroin.

Brett Chappell, defending, said his client had a bad record with 91 offences, but since last being released from prison had got help to combat his addiction.

Before he stole the straighteners he was ill and unable to get his prescription for methadone.

Fareham was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £210 compensation with £85 costs plus £15 victims’ surcharge by magistrates.