A DRUG ADDICT with 80 previous convictions, almost all to do with his addiction to Class A drugs, has been told by a judge that he needs support and guidance.

Robert James Gillespie, 46 of Tudor Walk, Walcot, Swindon, appeared before District Judge Simon Cooper at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday and admitted shoplifting and assaulting a store manager.

Kate Prince, prosecuting, told the judge Gareth Pearce, the store manager at the Co-op in Swindon, was made aware that someone was shoplifting and saw Gillespie and a friend leave the shop.

He went to challenge them and saw Gillespie had jars of coffee in his pockets. The female dropped a bag containing three jars of coffee.

When Mr Pearce caught up with the pair he was manhandled by Gillespie.

Richard Williams, defending, said Gillespie was on post-sentence supervision with the Probation Service and there had been some compliance.

He had, however, been struggling with Class A drug dependency and had been told by Swindon’s drug and alcohol service CGL that he was not suitable for their help.

The judge told Gillespie he was looking at 39 pages of Gillespie’s his 80 previous convictions, almost all stemming from his dependence on Class A substances. “You are a hopeless case. You have tried to change and at 46 you can’t afford to go on any longer. “I think you need support and guidance,” he said.

Sentencing was adjourned until July 5 for Probation Service reports.

Gillespie was released on bail on the condition that he attend all his probation appointments.