Career addict ‘doesn’t mind jail’
File image. © Andrew Bardwell
A homeless glue-sniffer has amassed a criminal record that now totals 42 pages of computer print-out – one of the biggest a judge has seen.
The sniffer was back before the courts yesterday, for stealing another packet of glue.
Christchurch District Court Judge Paul Kellar said he wanted to keep Donavan Scanlan’s latest offence in perspective, but he was concerned that if he released him he would simply re-offend.
Defence counsel Steve Hembrow said: “The criminal history shows a deep-seated personal and social problem for this man, and a long-term criminal problem for the community.”
He said his interview with 44-year-old Scanlan had been difficult.
“He has been severely adversely affected by the glue sniffing he has done. His comprehension is not good.”
Scanlan had admitted a charge of shoplifting a $12.50 packet of glue from an Upper Riccarton service station.
Mr Hembrow said: “He is probably the most obvious shoplifter there is. He comes in stumbling and shambolic. It’s a pity he wasn’t just shooed out straight away.”
The judge delayed the case to get more information about Scanlan.
Mr Hembrow then said Scanlan had been living rough on the streets since he was released from prison last week. He stayed on the streets because he did not like staying at the City Mission. He did not mind going back into prison. “It’s warm and he gets fed.”
Judge Kellar said Scanlan was a very difficult case, having amassed one of the longest criminal histories he had ever seen.
Every sentence had been tried with him. He had been flown from Auckland to Christchurch last July for admission at the Nova Lodge rehabilitation facility. He was addicted to various substances.
“The public needs a rest from you, Mr Scanlan,” he said, imposing a six-week prison term. Scanlan’s own best interests would also be best served by a jail term.
“Glue has been the undoing of you, it seems,” said the judge.
Category: Focus
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