A 40-YEAR-OLD man whose drug addiction was “destroying his life” stole a cash box from an unlocked car and gave the money to his daughter for her birthday, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

Matthew Slate, of Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, also stole bottles of whiskey and vodka from local shops in order to sell on and “get a fix” for his drug problem.

However, after taking into account a “remarkable turnaround” in the defendant’s life in recent weeks, district judge Paul Copeland observed that it would not be appropriate to send him to prison and instead ordered him to do 150 hours of community service.

The judge said this would give Slate the opportunity to continue working with various statutory agencies and step further away from the addiction that was destroying his life.

During an earlier appearance in court, Slate had pleaded guilty to stealing three bottles of whiskey to the value of £80.07 belonging to Courtney’s Filling Station on January 15, 2016, two bottles of vodka to the value of £27.98 belonging to Eurospar on March 28, 2016 and cash to the value of £150 on May 25, 2016.

At his sentencing last Wednesday, the court heard that, at around 6.45pm on May 25, police were contacted about the alleged theft of a cash box and wallet from inside an unlocked vehicle in Lisnaskea.

Officers spoke to local businesses in the area and also viewed CCTV of the suspect. The defendant was subsequently identified as being involved in the incident.

When he was arrested and taken to Enniskillen police station, he made no reply after he was cautioned. 

During interview, he made a full admission and told officers that he had given the cash to his daughter as it was her birthday.
Apologising for his actions, he added that it had been a “stupid thing to do”.
The court also heard that the defendant was caught on CCTV stealing three bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey from Courtney’s Filling Station on January 15 and then two bottles of vodka from Eurospar on March 28.

When he was later interviewed in connection with the two incidents, he denied stealing the drink on both occasions.
Defending solicitor, Tommy Owens, told the court that his client had a “serious addiction problem” with drugs, but had been able to detox himself to some extent and was now attending counselling sessions.
The solicitor said that Slate had stolen the alcohol in order to sell on and “get a fix for his drug problem”.

In mitigation, Mr Owens said that the defendant was remorseful and prepared to compensate his various victims.

The solicitor said that Slate, who is originally from England, but living locally for three years, had been assessed by the Probation Service as posing a medium risk of re-offending.

He said the defendant was not employed due to a medical condition, but hoped to go back to his work as a tiler if his health improved.

District judge, Paul Copeland, observed that the defendant had started to gather a “significant record” in this jurisdiction, despite not being here that long.
The judge said that the thefts had been committed in order to fund his drug addiction, which reached “serious levels” according to a pre-sentence report prepared in the case.

However, Mr Copeland noted that there had been a “remarkable turnaround” in the defendant’s life in recent weeks and gave him credit for getting as far as he had.

Imposing community service, the judge said he was giving Slate the opportunity to continue with his engagement with the Probation Service and other statutory agencies.
He also ordered the defendant to pay compensation in full to each of his victims.
“You’re being given a big chance here. 
“Don’t throw it away,” Mr Copeland added.