28 Nov “I need help.” Alcoholic whiskey thief begs magistrates to aid in his recovery.
At 9:30 am on 5th November 2018 recovering alcoholic Mr. Wayne Amass of Boyton Close, Bethnal Green, attempted to steal two bottles of whiskey amounting to the price of £47, City of London Magistrate’s Court heard today. Mr. Amass entered Marks and Spencer’s on Fenchurch Street removed the security tags from the bottles and placed one in the inside of his jacket and the second down his trousers.
After being stopped by security and taken to the local police station, Mr. Amass failed a drugs test which came back as positive for cocaine and opiates. When questioned by prosecutor Malachy Packenham about failing the test Mr. Amass admitted that he was a struggling alcoholic and drug user. He told the court that he was clean seven years ago and became a substance worker, however, relapsed “and it’s been hell”.
Mr. Amass pleaded guilty to the theft charges against him, however, begged head magistrate Edward McMullan to sentence him to a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement order. Mr. Amass admitted: “I’m in a lot of pain physically and mentally and I need help”.
The case was adjourned until the 19th December 2018 for pre-sentencing reports and to consider a DRR.
The trial continues.
