Littlehampton “cannabis addict” thief given last chance

Duncan Gilbertson, 36, of Western Road, appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court last week, to plead guilty to stealing six bottles of champagne, worth almost £200, from Asda in Lancing.

The one-legged man also admitted breaching his conditional discharge by re-offending.

The court heard how Gilbertson entered the supermarket, with another unidentified man, just before 5.30pm on January 19, before making off with the bottles under his coat and in a bag.

Sharon Waggott, representing Gilbertson, said her client felt “pressurised” to steal the goods and that he did have a cannabis addiction.

Gilbertson was given a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement order but was told by magistrates it was the “last time” he would be given that type of sentence due to its cost.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs.