Co-op store burglar caught on CCTV (From York Press)

Co-op store burglar Stephen Garnett was caught on CCTV

8:22am Friday 25th January 2013 in News By Megi Rychlikova, megi.rychlikova@thepress.co.uk

A BURGLAR who targeted a Co-op store in a York suburb has a Valentine’s Day court date.

Defence solicitor Sally Howard gave a list of psychiatric difficulties experienced by burglar Stephen James Garnett, 35, after he admitted burgling the Co-op store on Broadway, Fulford.

“He cannot smoke cannabis now because the effects are too great,” she said. Garnett had smoked cannabis for ten years leading to his mental problems. Garnett now used heroin instead “on occasions” to help himself.

Garnett, 35, of no fixed address, admitted taking six bottles of beer on October 15 worth £14.10 from a storage unit at the Fulford store.

His case was adjourned until February 14 while probation officers prepare a pre-sentence report.

Prosecuting, Steve Ovenden said Garnett’s actions were caught on CCTV. When the store’s staff realised beer was missing, they checked the CCTV, saw the burglary and handed the tape to police who identified Garnett.

He has a string of convictions starting in the early 1990s.

Mrs Howard said “This was absolutely an opportunistic offence.”

Garnett, who currently has no income, was walking past when he saw the warehouse, “popped in, picked up the beer and popped out.” The solicitor said: “He literally lives hand to mouth.”

Garnett was released on bail.

Magistrates thought a medium-level community order was probably appropriate but the sentencing bench could jail him or send him to the crown court for sentence.