It’s part of a ‘social disease’, says addict

FIFER NELSON Gray reckons he has been caught shoplifting more than 200 times.

He goes to court, he is fined, he’s even spent time in prison — yet he has no intention of stopping.

The 52-year-old heroin addict from Leslie, pictured, told The Courier he steals items he can sell easily to make enough money to buy drugs.

A clearly intelligent man, he believes his thieving is a genetic problem over which he has no control.

“What’s in my head when I do it? It’s a fundamental, rudimentary, animalistic desire to survive,” he said.

“In my opinion, the hardcore shoplifters are ones who have been brought up by mums and dads who are alcoholics or drug takers or who batter each other.

“It’s an endemic social disease.”

Nelson used to steal to feed his gambling habit but he managed to kick that.

Then, two years ago, his daughter was murdered and he developed a serious heroin addiction.

“I believe it’s genetic. My dad wass a gambler and my mum spent her money at thee bingo.”

He added:: “I’ll never stop stealing.

“As soon as I leave you I’ll probably go and try to steal. That’s my plans for the day.

“I’ve no food in the house.

“I’m a heroin addict and I’m rattling.”