Man stole from shelter that homed him

8:21am Tuesday 20th May 2008

A homeless man who stole cash from the shelter that put a roof over his head and went on a drugs spree has been jailed.

Neil Wicks took his chance when finding the window open to the office of the Sanctuary in Exchange Road, Watford, on Saturday, April 4.

The 42-year-old stole five cash boxes, but was seen as he made his escape and despite staff locking the doors Wicks got away through the window of his room with one of the boxes containing around £400.

Dacorum Magistrates Court heard Wicks got a taxi to central London where he brought some crack before boarding a bus to Durham where he stayed at a crack house and blew the rest on heroin and alcohol.

Wicks admitted burglary at a previous hearing and the case had been adjourned for reports before sentencing.

The court heard in mitigation that the sometime painter and decorator, who gave an address of Silken Way, Newton Aycliffe, Durham, was attempting to turn his life around.

He is not only a father, but a grandfather, whose mother lives in Garston, and he wanted those he loved to look up to him.

He has "issues" in his background that he was attempting to deal with, said his Patrick O'Reilly, defending, who asked magistrates not to jail his client.

However, imposing a 56-day prison sentence, half of which will be served before release on licence, the chairman said the court had not alternative.

"The court has listened to what has been said on your behalf and we have given you credit for your guilty plea, however this is so serious and because of the nature of the offence and your previous record custody is the only way of dealing with you."

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