Atkins was jailed at Swansea Crown Court
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A MAN who ransacked an opticians while under the influence of drink and drugs made off with more than £2,000 of spectacles and other equipment – which he sold for £200.
Jonathan Terence Atkins targeted Browes opticians in Station Road in Burry Port last May, but was traced when police discovered his fingerprints on a cash box.
No money was on the premises, but the items he made off with were valued at £2,333.
Prosecuting, Georgina Buckley told Swansea Crown Court: "There was a significant amount of damage – it was in essence a ransacking.
"The owner has built up the business over the past 12 years, and it has been hard in a small town.
"In addition to the items stolen, he estimates he lost a further £2,500 worth of trade."
He had 18 consultation appointments booked but had to keep the shop closed for a week.
"It had a significant impact of over £5,000 in terms of loss".
Mitigating, Nicola Powell told the court that Atkins, of Llys Gwenllian, Kidwelly, had been intoxicated and committed the offence following an argument with his girlfriend.
She added: "He had an argument and, fuelled by drink and drugs, went on to commit this crime.
"I quote the defendant when I say he has been 'gripped' by amphetamine for many years, and was gripped by amphetamine and drink that night.
"He sold the items for £200 and is thoroughly ashamed of his actions.
"He accepts the difficulty it has caused the man who runs this business.
"He told me previously that he needs to grow up and sort himself out".
The court was told Atkins had a long history of offending, and was subject to a licence at the time he committed the offence.
Sentencing him to six months imprisonment, Recorder Paul Hopkins QC said: "The court has heard evidence of the impact of your behaviour on the owner of the business, and it is clear he is a man committed to his local community, and as a consequence of your appalling behaviour he was not able to trade as he would like.
"I am satisfied your behaviour had an enormous impact on this individual and his business. The impact has been very, very considerable.
"You have an appalling record for dishonesty that goes back to 1991 for a variety of offences…and at the time you commissioned this offence you were subject to a community order for an offence of violence in a domestic context.
"You have been committing offences most of your adult life and been in and out of prison.
"One senses you are at a watershed. You can continue this behaviour, or take control of your life".
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/man-jailed-after-burgling-burry-port-opticians/story-29989205-detail/story.html#17S4ccMkgI0mvWY3.99
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