Man with alcohol addiction stole beer because he was "desperate for a drink"

Friday 05 January 2024

A 41-year-old man has been given a binding over order after admitting to stealing beer from a shop on two occasions because he had been "desperate for a drink”.

But 41-year-old Shane Arthur Poingdestre told the Magistrate’s Court that he would not do it again.

St Helier Centenier Paul Huelin said Poingdestre had entered a store in King Street on the afternoon of 7 August, lifted four cans of Peroni worth £7, and left making no attempt to pay.

Two weeks later, on 21 August, he returned and stole four cans of Stella Artois, worth £7.95.

Pictured: He was sentenced in the Magistrate's Court yesterday.

When interviewed Poingdestre told officers: “I was desperate for a drink, that’s why I did it. I’m sorry.”

Advocate Nicholas Miere, defending, said Poingdestre suffered with alcohol addiction but was now attending Alcoholics Anonymous, noting: “There are perhaps some green shoots.”

He added that there had been no further offences since August.

Poingdestre himself said: “I’m not going to do it again. I’m going to be a law-abiding citizen from now on. I was in a bad place but I’m getting better now.”

Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke imposed a six-month binding over order. Poingdestre must also pay for the beer he stole.