Man sentenced to prison for stealing from grandmother to support drug addiction

Gavin Thomas, a 37-year-old drug addict from Maesteg, was in court for forcibly stealing money from his grandmother after she refused to give him money for his heroin and crack cocaine addiction, fearing he would become violent. Thomas had been staying with his grandparents and continuously pressured them for money. He asked for £40 initially, but two days later demanded £60 from his grandmother. When she refused, he threatened and physically assaulted her to get the money. His actions led to his arrest after he tried to coerce his elderly relatives for more cash while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Thomas, who lives on Brynglas Terrace, has a history of addiction to hard drugs and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression. He has two teenage daughters with whom he maintains contact. His defense barrister argued that his life has been "gripped and ruined" by his addiction, which stemmed from associating with the wrong people and using gateway drugs. The court heard that Thomas has 15 previous convictions, including 23 theft offenses. In May 2019, he pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to 16 months in prison, with an additional three weeks for breaching a suspended sentence. He was also given a restraining order preventing him from contacting his grandparents for three years. In court, Judge Nicola Saffman described the incident as a domestic violence situation, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim, Thomas's grandmother, who was attacked in her own home. The court also heard about Thomas's troubled background, mental health issues, and the impact of his addiction on his family life. Despite the circumstances, it was noted that Thomas has some contact with his daughters, indicating a possible opportunity for rehabilitation and rebuilding relationships. The sentencing reflects the seriousness of the offense and aims to prevent further harm to the victim and the community. The case sheds light on the devastating effects of drug addiction and the ripple effects it can have on families and communities. Thomas's story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing underlying issues such as mental health problems and providing support to individuals struggling with addiction. The court's decision to impose a prison sentence and a restraining order underscores the severity of Thomas's actions and the need for accountability. Moving forward, Thomas has the opportunity to seek rehabilitation and support to overcome his addiction and rebuild his life positively. The case also highlights the importance of addressing the societal factors that contribute to substance abuse and providing resources for individuals to break free from the cycle of addiction. https://therealcrimediary.com/man-sentenced-to-prison-for-stealing-from-grandmother-to-support-drug-addiction/?feed_id=57105&_unique_id=66d35a6574e67

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