Addict stole from friend (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Addict stole from friend

A HEROIN addict who stole from a friend to settle a debt has been warned he could face a jail term.

Christopher Carter claims he was owed £150 by pal Jason Kyson and had been waiting a while for him to pay up.

So when he came across him and realised the debtor was drunk, he took advantage and stole jewellery, clothing and cash.

Now the 27-year-old, who has a poor record of previous convictions, has been told he could be sentenced to a prison term.

Carter, of Durrington Walk, Swindon, only pleaded guilty to a charge of theft on the morning of his trial at Swindon crown court.

He admitted stealing a wrist watch, belt, two neck chains, a bracelet, ring, cash and trainers from Mr Kyson on November 22 last year.

Robert Pawson, defending, said that while his client pleaded guilty to the matter, it was on a certain basis.

"Mr Kyson owed him about £150 and had done so for some time and Mr Carter came upon Mr Kyson entirely by coincidence," he said.

When he realised that the victim was drunk, he said that Carter took more than what was owing to him including the jewellery and £60 cash which police found in his sock.

Philip Warren, prosecuting, said that the basis of plea was acceptable though Mr Kyson said the debt was less than the amount stated by Carter.

The court heard that Carter is currently on a probation order and drug treatment and testing order but they have been breached.

Mr Pawson said that he was due before magistrates later this month when the justices will decide what sentence to pass.

He said "Unfortunately he is a heroin user and has been in breach of the drug treatment and testing order in so far as he has used heroin."

Despite failing on the order he said that Carter had been told that he was likely to be recommended for another drug treatment and testing order.

Adjourning the case until Friday July 1, Recorder Maria Lamb told Carter: "I will release you on bail on the same terms as before; that you live and sleep at Durrington Walk and do not approach Mr Kyson.

"It is to be understood that the granting of bail holds out no promise in any way and all sentencing options remain open in this case, which I regard as serious. I do not rule out any possibility of a custodial sentence in this case."

Tamash Lal