Confessed drug addict jailed for shoplifting

Well known thief Bertram Russell Lynch blamed his criminal ways on a “serious cocaine” habit for which he said he needed help.

The 61-year-old Bank Hall Cross Road resident made the plea as he explained to Magistrate Angela Knight on Thursday why he stole three bottles of lotion and two tubs of cream from Ampoung Incorporated on Wednesday.

“I have a serious drug problem — even if it’s two years, three years, three months, one month every time I come back out of jail, it’s the same cycle because I never get the help in prison,” said Lynch who had amassed 65 convictions to his name.

The court heard from police prosecutor Ralph Rollock that the thief entered the store, went to the aisle where the products were displayed, took them up and pocketed them. Workers who witnessed the theft reported the matter to management. When he was challenged, he fled but was later apprehended and the items were found on his person.

Constable Rollock told the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court that Lynch was “very well known to the court” with over 60 offences. His last conviction, according to the prosecutor, was in April when a three-month sentence was imposed on a similar charge.

“It’s a cycle, I can’t help myself, Ma’am,” said Lynch. “I want to get into a facility thatI don’t go back to smoking. I want to go Verdun [House]. I know I will get help in Verdun. I never get a chance to go to Verdun where I can’t leave and I can do the full programme there because every time I come back out, it’s the same thing. The cocaine . . . it’s right to talk . . . but it does be hard.”

Magistrate Knight then asked how many times he had given that same story to the court.

The convict responded: “I make it the last time I try to get help . . . I can’t count Ma’am”.

He was sentenced to three months in prison at Dodds with drug rehabilitation.