A Swindon heroin addict convicted of his 77th theft offence is ‘on the verge of death’, a court heard this morning.
Craig Gibbs, 36, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court charged with a dwelling burglary at Jesters Snooker Hall in September last year. He pleaded guilty.
Crown prosecutor Keith Ballinger said police officers were called to an alarm activation at the establishment, in Greenbridge Road, at around 3am that morning.
The defendant, of Sheppard Street, was found outside the building alongside another male. Both proceeded to get onto bicycles and attempt to cycle away from the scene.
Gibbs was detained whilst his accomplice made his successful escape down an alleyway.
He was found to be in possession of a charity box containing £200 and a bottle of alcohol – both items identified as belonging to Jesters.
The court heard Gibbs has 76 previous convictions for theft alone.
Defending, Terry Mccathy said this client had been released from Great Western Hospital after four weeks following treatment for serious kidney problems.
He said the defendant had been told the continued use of heroin will kill him imminently. But he has since been in touch with Turning Point as is currently on a methadone prescription.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be compiled.
