Kirkby man’s grief-stricken crime spree

Ryan Yemm (31) of The Acre, Kirkby, had just been released from a rehabilitation centre after being treated for addiction to a heroin substitute.

Mansfield magistrates were told how Yemm, who admitted theft, criminal damage and burglary, walked into a Sutton shop and walked out with three litres of cider and some crisps without paying.

Neil Hollett, prosecuting, said Yemm then re-entered the shop and helped himself to seven packets of cigarettes, pushing past staff as he left.

Said Mr Hollett: “Later the same day he threw stones through the window of his friend’s council house, causing it to smash.”

Mark Stocks, defending, said: “The defendant has a number of previous convictions for all manner of offences.

“It is fair to say some years ago he had an addiction to heroin which led to the majority of offences but he had not used it for some years.

“Part of his rehabilitation treatment was limited contact with his peer group, friends and family.”

Mr Stocks said yemm had decided to drown his sorrows with a friend on the day of the offences.

He added: “Much of the information leading to him being charged came from Mr Yemm. It was burglary in a technical sense but under proper sentencing guidelines it would be shoplifting.”

Magistrates gave Yemm a 12-month community order with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement. He was also and ordered to pay £142.85, including court costs, victim surcharge and compensation for items stolen and the window.