Nathan Dickson broke down in the dock at Bath Magistrates' Court, fearing imminent imprisonment after stealing money from a charity on two separate occasions.
On August 14, 2024, Dickson took a charity pot containing approximately £80 from a shop on Mount Road in Bath. Just two months later, on October 15, he returned to the same store armed with clippers and cut the chain securing the pot, stealing another £30.
The prosecution highlighted Dickson’s extensive criminal history, noting he had 40 previous convictions and requested £110 in compensation.
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In court, Dickson attributed his actions to a personal breakdown following the death of his wife: “I relapsed on heroin after I learned that my wife, who I was married to for 12 years, died.” Dressed in a black beret, dark sunglasses, and a beaded necklace, he explained, “It’s not a justification, but I had a breakdown to the point that I could not function properly. I ended up in bad company. My fault.”
Despite the repeated offenses, the court heard that the 44-year-old man from Priddy Close, Bath, was unwilling to engage in unpaid work. The magistrates expressed frustration, stating, “You have committed offence after offence after offence, you have left us very little choice.”
Initially, the court sentenced Dickson to six weeks in custody. Overwhelmed, Dickson appeared to have a panic attack, shaking and exclaiming, “I don’t understand this.” After a brief recess, the magistrates returned with revised news: his sentence would be suspended for 12 months. The magistrate reassured him, “Don’t panic. I did not finish. We are going to suspend your sentence for 12 months. That means if you commit any further offence, you will be back at court. It’s in your hands.”
In addition to the suspended six-week sentence, Dickson was ordered to pay £85 in court costs.