Llanhilleth man's theft 'a cry for help' over drugs (From South Wales Argus)

Llanhilleth man's theft 'a cry for help' over drugs

3:30pm Friday 28th December 2012 in News

MAN who deliberately stole food on Christmas Eve in a cry for help over his drugs problem must wait three weeks before he can be referred for treatment.

  Appearing before Caerphilly Magistrates Court yesterday, Wayne Marsh, 26, of Oxford Place, Llanhilleth, admitted trying to steal £75 worth of food from Tesco in Ebbw Vale on December 24.

  Marsh went into an epileptic fit before he could be arrested and was taken to Nevill Hall Hospital where he tested positive for heroin, the court heard.

  Rod Smith, mitigating, said that Marsh had been trying to get help for his drug problem since the beginning of December, but was told that voluntary services could not help him for four weeks.

  “He knew if he committed an offence he might jump the queue,” said Mr Smith.

  The case was adjourned until January 17, 2013, at CaerphillyMagistrates Court, to allow Marsh to be assessed for a drug rehabilitation requirement.

  He was released on conditional bail and must not go into any shops.