Drug addict with 80 convictions admits stealing clothes from Asda to fund his addiction

Herman Gilbert used a bag lined with foil to hide the stolen items while inside the store in Smethwick, but he was caught while inside the premises with clothing valued at £183.50 and arrested by police who were called to the scene.

Gilbert, aged 55, of Ladywood Middleway in Ladywood, Birmingham, pleaded guilty at Dudley Magistrates Court.

He was granted bail and is now awaiting punishment while a probation report is made.

Gilbert will next appear at Walsall Magistrates’ Court on January 23.

Eighty convictions

Prosecuting, Mrs Lovegrove, said: “The theft took place from Asda on January 12.

“He was stopped and found with clothing with the value of £183, where they saw his bag lined with foil.

“He was arrested by police and made a full admission in the interview, where he said he committed the offence to fund his drug habit.

“He did test positive for opiates, which I’m guessing is heroin. Going to his record, he has 80 convictions for 139 offences. The vast majority are dishonesty offences.”

Defending, Mr Saeed, said Gilbert suffers mental health issues and has been in contact with doctors.

'I want to get off drugs'

“He says he has psychosis,” said Mr Saeed.

“I think if he was given the right help, he could get off drugs.

“I know he has got a lot of offences but on the last few occasions he has said ‘I want to get off drugs’.

“He is getting to an age where it is really necessary.”

Bench chairman and deputy district judge Mr Jonas postponed the sentencing of Gilbert for a probation report to be carried out.

He said Gilbert’s fate would be decided at a future court hearing.

Mr Jonas said: “The easy course to do is send you to prison. No one could criticise me if I did that. That still might happen to you.

“They (the probation service) will prepare a report and the court will sentence you on that report.”

Gilbert was given bail with the conditions that he will remain living at his current address and that he cooperates with the probation service and keeps all appointments until the next court hearing.