Drug addict jailed for thefts

Aug 8 2007

A MAN who began experimenting with drugs when he was ten carried out a series of burglaries and thefts over the years to raise money to feed his habit.

Robert Ramsell, now 27, from Tamworth, was jailed for two years and seven months when he appeared Stafford Crown Court.

Recorder Patrick Thomas QC told him: "Here you are a man 27 years old and your life so far is pretty well wasted. You are not going to get your life together until you break the drug habit."

Ramsell, of Sykesmoor, pleaded guilty to charges of escaping from Stafford police station after being arrested, theft, burglary and handling stolen goods.

He asked for 44 similar offences to be taken into consideration.

Heath Westerman, prosecuting, said most of the thefts involved taking property from cars including CD players and speakers.

One burglary in Stonydelph happened when a young woman was looking after her parents home while they were on holiday and Ramsell stole a gold bracelet made by her father.

Nick Smith, defending, said: "He is now on a drug rehabilitation course at Winson Green Prison in Birmingham."