29 Nov Alcoholic pleads guilty for stealing two bottles of whiskey from Marks & Spencer’s
Today, a self-confessed addict who stole two bottles of whiskey made an emotional plea for help at the City of London Magistrates Court.
On the 5th November at 9:30am, Mr Wayne Amass of Boyton Close E1, went into Marks & Spencer on Fenchurch Street and removed the security tags from two bottles amounting to £47. He hid the bottles in his clothes and exited the store. Police officers on duty in the area, watched the incident occur and arrested him at the door. He was later released on bail.
At the police station, Amass tested positive for cocaine and opioids, the court heard. In the dock, Amass admitted that after being clean for 3 years, he relapsed 4 years ago and has been fighting addiction since. He added, “It’s been hell.”
Despite prior-convictions of theft, the court heard that whilst clean, Mr Amass tried to get his life back by seeking professional help and becoming a volunteer for a substance abuse charity. The defendant, who is representing himself, became emotional and begged, “Please, I’m in physical and mental pain and I need help!”
Prosecutor, Malachy Pakenham told the court, “A DRR (drug rehabilitation requirement) certainly needs to be considered under the circumstances.” Head magistrate, Edward McMullen ordered the trial to be adjourned until 14th December 2018 whilst they consider a community sentence for Mr Amass.
