Addict who repeatedly stole from his mother given another chance
MAN TOOK TWO BANK CARDS AND £160 FROM MUM
A DRUG addict who repeatedly stole from his mother will soon be reunited with her after she told a judge she was “willing to give him another chance”.
Mark Dove, who will turn 41 tomorrow, stole two bank cards and £160 from his long-suffering mother after an argument on September 18, Hull Crown Court heard.
It was the latest in a series of similar crimes against his mother, who relies on him as her carer.
Dove, of Redmire Close, Bransholme, admitted theft but denied the more serious charge of robbery, and prosecutor Stephen Welch said those pleas were acceptable to the Crown.
Dove’s mother attended court in a wheelchair and Richard Thompson, mitigating, said: “The complainant is anxious to have him home, I understand.”
Judge Paul Watson QC said: “His life is at something of a crossroads now; he can carry on with the drugs, he can carry on stealing from his mother, and he’s going to end up in some very hot water.”
Mr Welch said: “The money had originally come from the defendant’s account and been given to her because he owed her money. The background is of the defendant repeatedly taking money from her and borrowing money from her due to his long-standing addiction to heroin.
“On the day in question there was an argument over money and the defendant had taken it. The defendant gave the account of the money originally being his and denied any dishonesty.”
Mr Thompson said: “The defendant very much regrets the commission of this offence.”
He said Mrs Dove spoke well of her son, “about their relationship and the care he provides for her. She’s willing to give him another chance”.
Dove had spent four months on remand and was jailed for four weeks, meaning he would be immediately released.
Judge Watson told him: “I hope you’ve heard what I said to Mr Thompson. It’s perfectly clear to me – your life can go one of two ways. You can carry on with the drugs, but I can tell you now that’s only going to get you into more trouble because you are going to have to steal from somebody.
“I have to say, it’s pretty low, stealing from your own mother.”
Dove made some comment from the dock, but it was inaudible.
“Try to turn your life around,” the judge continued. “Only you can do it. Four weeks – that should mean your immediate release.”
The judge then turned to the victim and said: “Thank you very much for coming along and helping us, Mrs Dove.”
Mrs Dove said: “Thank you very much, your honour, I appreciate it. Bless you.”