Crime spree caused by drugs, court told

A man embarked on a crime spree after taking prescription drugs.
Nicholas Jackson broke into two garden sheds and two cars within a few days, Durham Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Jane Mitford said Jackson took golf clubs from a garden shed in Peterlee and a push bike from a rear yard. "The clubs belonged to the house owner's son," she added. "The young man enjoyed his golf and was upset to think someone could steal his equipment. "The bike belonged to a student, who said it was his only means of travel. "A few days later, Jackson broke into two cars within the space of a few hours. "He took a sub-woofer speaker box and CDs from a Citroen Saxo, and CDs valued at £200 from a Peugeot 106. "Police found most of the stolen property in his house, and he was unable to say why he had acted as he did." Jackson, 35, of Rosedale Terrace, Horden, admitted three offences of theft and one of burglary, all in September last year. Stephen Constantine, defending, said: "Mr Jackson has previous convictions for dishonesty, but they were some time ago. "This was low-level offending triggered by his reliance on prescription drugs, which caused a loss of self-control. "He is no longer on these drugs, so there is a reasonable expectation he will not offend again." The Recorder, Mr Edward Bindloss, sentenced Jackson to a 12-month community order.

(Reproduced from the Sunderland Echo, 17th Feb)

Gardien Tip: As so often, the garden shed and a bike were easy targets. See the free advice re prevention at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm and http://www.garden-security.co.uk/bike-security-print.htm