Drug addict committed store theft to fund heroin habit

A drug addict with mental health issues stole meat from a supermarket to sell on to fund his heroin abuse.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, June 29, how Kevin Anthony Fanshaw, 34, of Green Farm Close, Chesterfield, stole £20 to £25 worth of steak from the Co-op, on Wardgate Way, in Chesterfield.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “Fanshaw was identified by CCTV going into the Co-op and selecting steak and putting it into a bag and leaving the store and he was interviewed by police.

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“He made full admissions and remembers going into the store and intending to sell the items to fund his heroin addiction.”

Fanshaw pleaded guilty to the theft after the offence on April 15.

The court also heard how Fanshaw is still subject to a conditional discharge from June, last year, relating to a previous conviction for producing and possessing drugs after being found with a cannabis plant.

He also received a fine after another court appearance on June 17 for a further shop theft which post-dated the April offence.

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Defence solicitor Benjamin Strelley explained the April offence happened before the theft which was dealt with in court on June 17 and it was unfortunate both offences could not have been dealt with previously in court together.

He told the court that Fanshaw has difficulties with substance misuse and he has mental health issues but he attends a drug support centre and a mental health unit.

Magistrates sentenced Fanshaw to a 12 month conditional discharge but warned if he commits another offence within a year he will be re-sentenced for the April theft and any new offence.

Fanshaw was also ordered to pay £20 compensation but was spared from paying any legal costs or a victim surcharge due to his limited means.