A man has admitted burgling a Carlisle pharmacy and stealing prescription drugs.
Ben Wiggins, 35, appeared in a dock at the city’s magistrates’ court today after he committed the offence in the early hours of Sunday, February 22.
Wiggins pleaded guilty to one charge of burglary, admitting that he entered the Well Pharmacy, at Blackwell Road in Currock, as a trespasser before stealing prescription medication. These drugs were said to be valued in the region of £200.
The court heard Wiggins’ break-in occurred at around 2am.
A neighbour was woken by the sound of banging and alerted police. Wiggins was seen to kick a window, and then to emerge from the premises carrying a bag.
He was identified at the scene and arrested.
In court, Wiggins also pleaded guilty to two additional shop thefts — having stolen £50-worth of food from the Range store, Currock Road, on January 13 and £12-worth of Red Bull drinks from the Co-op store, Blackwell Road, the following day.
Defence solicitor Chris Toms said Wiggins, of Montreal Street, Carlisle, was a man with complex mental health issues. He also had issues with drugs and with his physical health.
Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report. Wiggins is due to receive his punishment on 23rd March, and in the meantime he has been granted bail.
Conditions have been attached to that bail which prohibit Wiggins from entering the Well Pharmacy at Blackwell Road, the city’s Range shop and also any Co-op store in Carlisle.
