'Baby is reason to kick drugs' (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

'Baby is reason to kick drugs'

Paul Donachie who plans to turn his life aroundA DRUG addict once described as the lowest of the low for stealing charity money has turned his life around after learning he is to become a first-time father, a court has heard.

Paul Donachie, 24, appeared at Swindon magistrates' court yesterday where he admitted breaching his bail, which he had been released on earlier this month after pleading guilty to stealing six DVDs.

He also admitted failing an 18-month community rehabilitation order handed to him for burglary in August.

It was the second such order he had been given this year the first was for stealing £16 from a poppy collection box in January.

That offence caused outrage and the Swindon branch of the Royal British Legion described him as despicable.

But yesterday the court heard how Donachie, of Seagry Court, Penhill, had weaned himself off drugs after his girlfriend told him she was expecting his baby.

Rob Ross defending said the breach of bail had come about because Donachie was ill and had a doctor's note to prove it.

He said: "His partner who has also had a heroin problem but is presently in a programme, has now detoxed completely and is going to give birth to their first child.

"As a result of that he has now detoxed himself at home.

"He saw his doctor and he has managed to detox on his own without any medication.

"It would appear that what has woken him up is the fact that in a very short time he is going to be a father.

"He is at last, of his own volition, doing something about his life."

Donachie was given bail again and is due back at Swindon magistrates' court for sentencing on October 25 at 1.45pm.

Chairman of the bench Bob Sparling told him: "We are swayed that if you are giving up drugs that you may actually turn the corner and become a useful citizen."

Speaking after the hearing Donachie, who did not want to name his partner, said he was excited about the upcoming birth of the baby, which scans have shown is a boy. The baby is due on October 17 and Donachie said: "I'm looking forward to my girlfriend having a baby, I've done it given up heroin for him.

"I just locked myself in my flat because I knew I had to do it.

"It wasn't easy but I don't want to be a dad on drugs I want to be there for him."

Gareth Bethell