Nottinghamshire mamba addict 'stole to feed drug habit'

Nigel Dale Bradford stole various items from stores around the Worksop area between December 28 and February 16, Mansfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Wednesday, February 19.

A total of 10 charges of shop theft were admitted by Bradford, including Harry Potter items, as well as perfume, Lego sets, and razors. He also admitted stealing Frozen and Toy Story toys.

An 11th charge - that he stole £400 worth of clothing from Sports Direct, in Bridge Place on February 10 was dropped by the prosecution when Bradford, 27, of Cheapside, Worksop denied it.

Prosecuting, Donna Fawcett said: “He told police that he was doing it because he can’t afford to feed his family. He admitted taking mamba but he told police it wasn’t because of that that he did it.”

The court was told that Bradford provides for his partner and her children, and they have another on the way.

Bradford was also subject to a conditional discharge and a community order at the time he committed the offences, the court heard.

Mitigating, Chris Perry told the court: “He’s saying that he’s not doing it because of drugs dependency and he is desperate to find another way forward.”

Sentencing Bradford to 12 weeks in prison, District Judge Jionathan Taaffe said: “It is my view that you have stolen to fund your drugs habit.”