Paralympics dream is over for shoplifter

Nicholas John Fallon, aged 34, who was jailed for five years in 2011, had started lifting weights while behind bars.

Fallon carried on training when he came out and was working towards qualifying for the Paralympic games.

However, Burnley Magistrates’ Court was told, Fallon, who lost his left leg quite some time ago, was now suffering from depression.

He was in breach of a conditional discharge when he stole alcohol, one haul worth £123, from Asda in Colne, on June 27th, 29th and 30th.

The defendant, who had gone out with a foil-lined bag prepared for thieving, got an opportunity to get his life back on track again after owning up.

Fallon, of Crawford Street, Nelson, admitted three counts of theft in court.

He was given a 12 month drug treatment requirement, was fined £50 and must pay £85 compensation and £85 costs.

District Judge Alexandra Simmonds told Fallon she would have hoped he had learned his lesson from his prison sentence.

However, she went on to add: “I’m going to give you a chance.”

Mr Geoff Ireland (defending) told the hearing Fallon had kept away from drugs in prison, turned his life completely around and carried on training when he came out.

The solicitor continued: “He was working towards a Paralympics qualification. It’s clearly not going to happen.”

Mr Ireland said the defendant had lost some weight and freely conceded he was drifting back into drugs.

A relationship had also just come to an end and on top of this depression was something that was prominent in his family.

Mr Ireland told the court: “Both his parents committed suicide.”