Drug addict steals from the home of Nailsea OAPs

A self-confessed drug addict admitted breaking into the home of a Nailsea pensioner and stealing from a supermarket, reports the Bristol Evening Post.

Lee Pickles, aged 33, who gave an address of Wick Road, Brislington, was seen seen stuffing two bottles of whisky down his trousers at the supermarket in Clifton Down, Bristol Crown Court heard.

When store staff grabbed him he produced one bottle, downed it, and crawled under a table in the office.

Having been arrested and bailed he broke into a Nailsea home and helped himself to prized possessions before being chased off by the elderly occupant.

Pickles pleaded guilty to shoplifting and burglary in October.

Judge Simon Darwall-Smith told him: "The public has to be protected from your activities. 

"You are not in a position to do a community sentence as you say you would not survive on the outside at the moment."

Robert Reid, prosecuting, said Pickles was violent and aggressive when collared for the shop theft and threatened to bite a security staff member's hand.

The court heard he was arrested, made full admissions and was bailed to appear before magistrates in November.

On October 31, however, 76-year-old Peter Dufour returned to his Nailsea home to discover his workshop had broken windows and a figure lurking on the premises.

Mr Dufour called police from a neighbour's house, the court heard, and as he met his wife Gertrud outside their home, Pickles emerged and said: "Don't touch me, I'll punch you in the face."

Mr Reid said: "The defendant went from the property. Mr Dufour started jogging after him. A wallet was dropped by the defendant which had a prison release document and a photograph, which was recovered by Mrs Dufour.

"A wrist watch taken in the burglary was also dropped."

The court heard items of sentimental value were stolen in the burglary, including watches and jewellery. Two prized watches were not recovered. The burglar even pocketed cigarettes and two packs of prescription drugs, the court was told.

Dianne Heys, defending, said her client had issues with alcohol addiction as well as use of crack cocaine and heroin.

She said that her client offended to feed his habit and now wanted to move on and make a fresh start.Pickles was sentenced to two years in jail.