Man Stole Meat To Fund Illicit Drug Habit

Man Stole Meat To Fund Illicit Drug Habit

A Burry Port man appeared at Llanelli Law Court today (July 19) via video link from HMP Swansea Prison. He was accused of stealing meat to the value of £40 and meat to the value of £20 from Co-op Stores during two separate incidents. The two offences were said to have taken place on February 2 and April 3 of this year.

Joshua Paul Gillatt, age 28 of Clos Dewi Medi in Llanelli pleaded guilty to both of the charges put before him.

Sian Vaughan prosecuting told the court that Gillatt was captured on CCTV footage during February’s offence and that’s how he was recognised for the second offence in April when he chose to steal the items from Co-op Stores. The items weren’t recovered.

Andrew Isaac representing said: “My client was before the court last Thursday (July 12) on another theft matter, he received a 12 week custodial sentence for that offence dating back to January 13. There have been issues on homelessness and use of illicit drugs hence the offending. He’s sorry for what he’s done and was going through a difficult period.”

District Judge Christopher James stated that the crimes were low value thefts and there had been an element of targeting as both incidents had been at the Co-op Stores. He concluded that the starting point was custody and that Gillatt must serve 11 weeks to run concurrent. In addition he was ordered to pay compensation of £60 to the Co-op Stores when released.