By Grimsby spice addict caught stealing on CCTV
A Grimsby man who was addicted to spice has been prosecuted after he was caught stealing from a friend on CCTV.
It is alleged that the thief snuck into the victims room and stole a computer game. Both were living in a hostel at the time.
Alex Ridley, 18, of Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, was caught entering his friends room via the CCTV cameras in the corridor of the hostel.
He was spotted nipping into the pal’s room and leaving again.
Appearing at Grimsby Magistrates Court, Ridley admitted burglary on October 19 and fraud on October 20.
Martin Howarth, prosecuting, told the court that Ridley was living in the YMCA at the time and a friend of his was living in another room there.
The friend supposedly left his room at 4.30pm but could not lock the door and, when he returned after 7pm, he discovered that a video game was missing.
The man reported the theft to reception and CCTV revealed Ridley’s movements.
Ridley alleges to have pawned the video game for £4, even though it was worth £50.
Steven Freestone, mitigating, said that Ridley had been homeless for a while and had been living rough. He added:
“He went into the room when his friend wasn’t there and took the computer game.
“All residents know that the corridors are covered by CCTV. He needed some money to tide him over and he did something very unfortunate.
“Since October, he has kept himself out of difficulties.”
The court heard how Ridley had been spending £5 a day on Spice.
He has been given a 28-day 7pm to 7am curfew, five days’ rehabilitation and was ordered to pay £20 compensation.
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