Nathan Dickson, a 44-year-old man from Bath, broke down in the dock at Bath Magistrates’ Court as he faced sentencing for stealing money from a charity pot on two occasions.
Dickson targeted a shop on Mount Road, Bath, stealing an estimated £80 from the charity collection on August 14, 2024. He returned again on October 15, this time using clippers to cut the chain securing the pot before taking approximately £30 more.
The prosecution highlighted Dickson’s lengthy criminal history, revealing he has 40 previous convictions, and requested £110 in compensation.
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In court, Dickson opened up about his personal struggles, explaining that he had relapsed into heroin use following the death of his wife, to whom he was married for 12 years. “I had a breakdown and ended up in bad company. It’s my fault,” he said, appearing visibly distressed and wearing a black beret, dark sunglasses, and a beaded necklace.
Despite the circumstances, the court noted Dickson’s repeated offenses and his refusal to engage in unpaid work, stating, “You have committed offence after offence after offence, you have left us very little choice.”
Initially, the magistrates sentenced Dickson to six weeks’ custody. At this moment, he suffered a panic attack, shaking and shouting, “I don’t understand this.” The court paused briefly before returning with a revised decision.
The magistrate reassured Dickson, saying, “Don’t panic. I did not finish. We are going to suspend your sentence for 12 months. That means if you commit any further offense 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, with the sentence suspended for 12 months under the condition of good behavior.