Birmingham addict fined for B&M thefts to fund drug habit under peer pressure
A Birmingham drug addict caught shoplifting cleaning pods to 'fund his habit' told magistrates to 'take the fine out of his Universal Credit' during sentencing this week. Jonathan Elliott, 43, of Scribers Lane in Hall Green, was under 'peer pressure' from another HMO neighbour to fund both of their drug addictions, Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard.
Details of the thefts
Elliott stole £107 worth of cleaning pods in two separate thefts from B&M Bargains on Stratford Road in January this year. On January 22, he made off with £60 worth of the items, and just a week later, he returned to steal another £47.03 in pods from the same store.
This week, on March 17, he pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a shop and was issued a financial penalty for his crimes. The court was told the offences caused both financial loss and inconvenience to store staff, according to prosecutor Ms Akhtar.
Defence arguments and sentencing
His solicitor argued that the crime occurred as a result of 'coercion' from a neighbour living at his HMO. 'He did it to fund his drug addiction and did it under peer pressure. The coercion may have impacted the crime,' she stated. 'He is 43 years of age, he lives in HMO shared accommodation. He accepts being a drug user and as we have heard, he tested positive for drugs.'
The defence noted that Elliott had pleaded guilty promptly and hadn't wasted police time during the process. They also pointed out that his last conviction was in 2010, indicating he had stayed out of trouble for a lengthy period. Elliott receives Universal Credit benefits, and his solicitor requested either a conditional discharge or, if not, a financial penalty.
Elliott, who has three previous convictions, was ultimately fined a total of £163.03 and warned he could be sent to prison if he fails to pay the sum. When asked if he could pay his fine immediately, Elliott told the bench: 'Well for the previous offence they take it out of my Universal Credit, that's what has happened before - £20 each time, that's what I was thinking.'
Payment arrangements and final warning
The court informed him that the amounts would be deducted each time his benefits are paid. The chair added: 'You just pay on the day, you just let them know if anything changes. If you do not make the payment, you will be summoned to court and will be sent to prison for non payment of the fine.'
After the sentencing, Elliott was told: 'Thank you for coming in and you are free to go.' The case highlights the complex interplay between addiction, peer pressure, and financial struggles in Birmingham's community.
