'Don't come near me - I've got a needle': Drug addicted shoplifter's threats
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Leeds Magistrates' Court heard Ashley Moore made the needle threat on three separate occasions while stealing bottles of whisky and rum from the Co-op store in Outwood, Wakefield.
Moore, of Potovens Lane Outwood, stole property worth more than £1,500 during a shoplifting spree in February and March. Some of the stolen items were recovered.
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Hide AdToni McCann, prosecuting, said Moore went to the Co-op on Broad Meadows off Leeds Road at Outwood on March 3 and took bottles of whisky worth £200.
Miss McCann said: "He said 'don't come near me, I've got a needle.' That caused distress to members of staff."
Moore, 33, made the same threat while again stealing bottles of whisky worth £200 from the same store on March 8.
And he made the needle threat while stealing six bottles of rum from the store on March 18.
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Hide AdMoore admitted five charges of theft from the Co-op at Outwood; three charges of theft from the Co-op Late Shop at Ash Grove, South Elmsall; one theft from the Co-op in South Kirkby and one theft from Boots in Kirkgate, Wakefield.
He also admitted three charges of using threatening behaviour in relation to the needle threats.
Miss McCann said Moore has 54 previous convictions for theft related offences.
Manjit Thandi, mitigating, said Moore is "in despair" and is taking methadone and other drugs daily, adding: "He is a drug user and wants to abstain... he is crying out for help."
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Hide AdMiss Thandi added: "He has his arm in a sling. He was attacked by a drug dealer due to his addiction.
"He wants to steer away from that lifestyle, he knows what he has done.
"He accepts the thefts. He states it was merely to sell the goods on at half price to fund his drug addiction."
Lead magistrate Antony Smalley handed Moore a 20-week jail sentence.