Spice addict accused police of selling drug

Kieran McKillop had gone in because he was having money issues, was frustrated he had no cash and wanted help with his benefits. He refused to leave and started swearing and shouting.

McKillop, who says he has had drug problems for a long time, fought back tears as he begged Burnley magistrates for assistance.

He told them: “This life of drugs is no life for me. I have an addiction and I can’t wake up without taking drugs. This is me asking you for help.”

McKillop (24), who told the bench he had “died three times” continued: “I don’t care if I live like a tramp. At the end of the day I have got a heart and that’s what matters.”

The defendant, of Irwell Street, Burnley, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, on April 1st, in breach of a conditional discharge imposed in March for criminal damage at his parents’ house.

He was fined £50, with a £30 victim surcharge but because he has served time in custody the money was deemed paid.

Miss Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, told the court at about 11am, McKillop went to speak to the public enquiry assistant at Burnley police station about money issues. She alerted a colleague and the officer explained the defendant needed to speak to the appropriate agency.

Miss Akhtar continued: “The defendant started using the ‘F’ word, saying he wanted his money back. He was told to leave. He was shouting at the officers, accusing them of selling Spice and having shops around the Burnley area.”

Mr Mark Williams, defending McKillop said: “There are issues with his benefits. They are legitimate issues but it was the wrong place and in the wrong way.”

The defendant had recently been given a community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement after breaching a restraining order banning him going to his parents’ house. The solicitor continued: “That won’t yet have started, but it’s hoped the probation service can assist him in a number of areas. One is the misuse of Spice.

“The other is accommodation, as he has problems with his address. His door has been boarded up so he has to get into his house through the window.”

Mr Williams said McKillop should be on employment and support allowance. He needed medical evidence, but had been “knocked off the list” by his doctor.

The solicitor said: “His mental health at best can be described as fragile, although it may be self-inflicted to some degree by the use of Spice.”