A man with mental health problems committed a jewellery raid described by his solicitor as “one of the most unsophisticated the courts will ever come across”.
Phillip Malone (36) found himself homeless and without his prescription for the heroin substitute Subutex before he stole vodka worth £64.50 from Adnams at Baston and assaulted John Twining and Andrew Parrot when they confronted him on December 16.
Two days later he smashed his way into an antiques centre at Market Deeping, leaving his mug shot on CCTV and blood on a shelf which identified him through DNA testing.
Malone, care of Churchfield Close, Deeping St James, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was sentenced after magistrates read psychiatric and probation reports.
On Thursday, Malone appeared in court with two black eyes, his face swollen and clutching his ribs.
His solicitor, David Lee, explained Malone had been badly assaulted on Monday and police were investigating.
Magistrates gave Malone a community order with 12 months’ supervision and a six month drug rehabilitation requirement. He must pay a £60 victim surcharge.
Malone’s solicitor David Lee said jewellery and ornaments stolen from Market Deeping Antiques and Craft Centre amounted to £52 while the damage bill was far higher. Prosecutor Marie Stace said the centre closed for a day for a clean-up and repairs, losing an estimated £1,600 in trade, there was a £400 insurance excess and the bill for items stolen and repairs amounted to £162. Malone is on incapacity benefit and magistrates decided he could not afford compensation.