Desperate addict stole chocolate bars

A Mansfield drug addict has admitted stealing 14 bars of chocolate from Mansfield’s Poundland store in desperation after losing benefits.

Town magistrates were told how Adam Cawthorne (33), of Station Road, had struggled to get his payments re-instated after being released from prison.

Mark Stocks, defending, said Cawthorne had 65 previous convictions and a third of them were for dishonesty.

“He has had difficulties with heroin and is currently in receipt of a methadone prescription,” said Mr Stocks.

“This offence is entirely due to his difficulties with regard to drugs.”

Cawthorne was jailed for six weeks, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £80 compensation.