Shoplifter Admits He Has A Drinking Problem

SHOPLIFTER Darren Thurling was captured on CCTV as he helped himself to four cans of premium strength lager from the Co-op store in Littleport. He placed the cans inside his jacket and left without paying, prosecutor Giles Beaumont told Ely magistrates

SHOPLIFTER Darren Thurling was captured on CCTV as he helped himself to four cans of premium strength lager from the Co-op store in Littleport.

"He placed the cans inside his jacket and left without paying," prosecutor Giles Beaumont told Ely magistrates on Thursday.

"He was not detained at the time, but was arrested a week later, and admitted the offence.

"He had not gone into the shop with the intention of stealing, but realising he had insufficient money, to decided to take the items."

Thurling - who has a problem with drink and drugs - is already on a drug rehabilitation course, the court was told.

"He accepts he has a problem with drink," said solicitor Adam Haselhurst. "At the time of the offence he was drinking quite heavily, but that has reduced of late.

"This was an impulsive act, he realised he did not have enough money, so he stole the drink."

Thurling, 33, of The Causeway, Soham, admitted that he stole the cans of Special Brew lager on September 5.

He was given a new 18-month supervision order, with a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement, and he must attend the Think First programme with the probation service.

The magistrates ordered Thurling to pay £5 compensation and £25 costs.