Burnley thief stole hair straighteners after drug relapse

A thief who stole hair straighteners worth £180 from Boots had relapsed into taking drugs, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates' CourtBurnley Magistrates' Court
Burnley Magistrates' Court

Convicted dealer Daniel Thomas, who has 46 offences on his record, put the three items in a bag and walked out.

Burnley magistrates were told the 45-year-old was detained and was compliant and the straighteners had been recovered. He had 21 convictions, including 15 theft-related offences and was locked up in the drugs supply case. He had been out of trouble since 2016.

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His solicitor, Mr Dylan Bradshaw, told the hearing Thomas was on universal credit and was living on £240.

Mr Bradshaw continued: "That’s not a great deal of money for a month. I have suggested he looks for a job."

The solicitor said the defendant had a number of health issues and suffered from depression.

Mr Bradshaw said Thomas was jailed for 27 months for the drugs supply offence. He went on: "He had a go at drug dealing. He was recruited by people higher up the chain, who make significant money, to do the dirty work.”

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The solicitor added the defendant had been prescribed a very similar substance to subutex, for long- term opiate users.

Thomas, of Clarence Street, Burnley, admitted theft on January 19th. He was given a 18-month conditional discharge and must pay £85 costs and a £21 victim surcharge.