Man stole £2,000 from sick friend to feed cocaine habit

Guy Lawrence was given a key to the man's his home while he was in and out of hospital.

But temptation got the better of 27-year-old Lawrence, of Vardon Court, Anson Street, Rugeley, who admitted taking £2,030 in cash from his friend's address between April 25 and May 5.

Cannock Magistrates’ Court heard unemployed Lawrence was struggling financially due to an £80-a-week cocaine habit.

His friend became suspicious and confronted him, the court heard.

Prosecutor Emma Thompson said: “The injured party noticed items going missing, including cash. He knew he had some £2,000 in the flat and was aware the defendant was of aware of that.

“While in hospital he asked a relative to collect the cash but it was missing. The defendant was confronted and admitted taking it.

“He said he was struggling financially using drugs and cocaine. It got out of hand.

“He said he spent the money on stupid things and had got nothing to show for it.”

Paul Jenkins, defending Lawrence, said: “He was genuinely supporting the gentlemen for a period of time but then temptation got the better of him."

Darren Jakeman, from the Probation Service, said Lawrence had been a self-employed body piercer until February when a loss of clients, as well as growing competition, resulted in him being out of work, bringing about the start of his financial troubles.

He added Lawrence had been spending up to £80-a-week on cocaine but had been clean for the last three months.

Lawrence pleaded guilty to theft.

Magistrates sentenced him to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, ordered him to carry out a rehabilitation programme and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must also repay the stolen amount to his neighbour as well as £185 in court costs and a £115 victim surcharge.