Littlehampton drug addict gives stolen war medals back

A DRUG addict who stole war medals from a garage in Wick has been given a suspended prison sentence.

The 29-year-old was sentenced at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to burglary.

The court heard he used the stolen money to fund his drug habit, and passed the medals to a friend so they could be sold.

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“But there was a lot of local press interest about them and they were too hot to handle,” said prosecutor Helen Hawden.

Keet was arrested after DNA evidence at the scene led to his identification.

After being interviewed, he visited the police station with his father and returned the medals, worth £400.

“He doesn’t have a high IQ, but when he was told they were of sentimental value, he took steps to recover them,” said Neal Gozzett, defending.

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Keet was given a suspended six-week prison sentence, a three-month curfew order and a community order requiring six months of drug rehabilitation.

He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85.

Deputy district judge Goldspring, said: “I don’t accept that you didn’t appreciate Second World War medals had sentimental value.

“If you had gone to war and been decorated for it, you would have a sentimental attachment.

“But you did make efforts to get the medals back.”