Former PC in court for theft from stores
Aug 29 2008 by Neil McKay, The Journal
A POLICEMAN who quit the force after he was caught shoplifting has been spared jail. Adrian Ingram, a 41-year-old former Northumbria Police officer, was arrested last July stealing items worth just £6.87 – two cans of lager and a bottle of strong cider – from the Spar in Darlington.
He was arrested and immediately suspended on full pay from duty with Northumbria Police.
But Durham Crown Court was told yesterday that when on bail for this offence, he travelled from his home in British School Yard, Darlington, to York on February 24, where he filled his bag with goods including bottles of spirits and champagne, fine art prints and several MP3 music players.
He quit the force after security guards in the city’s HMV store spotted him on the shoplifting spree.
Then on July 16 this year, Ingram stole two bottles of spirits worth a total of £30.38 from the Marks & Spencer in Darlington.
Brian Russell, defending, said the thefts were caused by his client suffering from bi-polar disorder, for which Ingram had at first refused to take medication.
Mr Russell said: “When he was first diagnosed he did not accept it, he thought it was weak and unmanly to be mentally ill and to have to take tablets and he ignored it. He got into a situation where his illness was not being controlled and his lifestyle was chaotic.”
Granting him a one-year conditional discharge, Judge Michael Cartlidge told Ingram: “You had a distinguished career in the police force and unhappily now find yourself at court. It is an awesome fall from grace. But a mental disorder is not an excuse to get involved in crime.”
He ordered Ingram pay £200 towards the £1,500 prosecution costs.
Ingram, who admitted theft, did not wish to comment following the court hearing.
But he told The Journal last month: “Unlike most people whose good name and pride may be tarnished if they end up in court for an offence of shoplifting – but who can carry on with their lives -– mine is in ruins. I have lost my job, my pension, my career.
“I served the community for 21 years as a police officer and now I am left with nothing because of a stupid act when I was unwell.”
