Drug addict's '˜shame' over stealing nephew's games console
James Thomas Liptrot, 34, took the machine, valued at £300, to a Cash Generators store and received £70 in return, Wigan magistrates heard.
Within a short time Liptrot, who has self-confessed problems with drinking and amphetamines, had “squandered” the money, the court was told.
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Hide AdHis sister, Chantelle Liptrot, later told police that her son Ethan had been “heartbroken” when he discovered the device was gone. Liptrot, of Hulme Grove, Leigh, admitted to a theft charge, dating back to March 7, and was given a six-week curfew by magistrates.
He was also ordered to complete a nine-month drug rehabilitation order and undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activities.
Prosecutor Katie Beattie said Miss Liptrot had been staying for a time with her parents, where the defendant was already living, while she was having some work done on her own property.
She left for a short break and on her return found her son’s X-Box console was missing, the court heard.
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Hide AdBut when she rang around a few stores, she tracked it down and it was returned.
A probation officer told the court Liptrot was “embarrassed and ashamed” to talk about the theft. He admitted that, before then, he thought he had a good relationship with his sister and nephew.
Bob Topping, defending, said the defendant was glad the console had been returned and was full of remorse.