Original article no longer available
The News and Star
Published on 06/10/2007
A CARLISLE man who admitted stealing DVDs to sell on has been given a conditional discharge.
Nicholas Johns, 27, of Sewell Road, admitted stealing a box set of DVDs worth £35 from the Virgin store in The Lanes.
He also asked for another theft of DVDs on September 14 to be taken into consideration.
City magistrates heard Johns was seen on September 20 picking up a box set of DVDs and removing the security tag before leaving the store with them.
Prosecutor Alan Lovett said: “In a police interview he admitted the offence and said he and his girlfriend were struggling financially.
“He said he was intending to sell the items on, possibly at Music Box on Botchergate.
“He admitted stealing another DVD worth £20 that was sold on for £11.”
Speaking in his own defence Johns said he was struggling with depression and taking a high dose of anti-depressants at the time and was also having a problem sorting out his benefits.
Magistrates gave him a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £20 compensation and £43 costs.