Drug addict admits new charges

1:42am Wednesday 18th June 2008

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A DRUG addict with a criminal record covering more than 100 offences pleaded guilty to charges of theft, driving while disqualified and drug possession at court yesterday.

Matthew Ainsley Gilligan, of Pateley Moor Crescent, Firthmoor, Darlington, was arrested in March after police spotted him driving a car.

A serial offender, he was well known to police and was known to be banned from driving. He was later stopped at Nightingale Avenue, Haughton.

Officers notice that he appeared to be intoxicated, and found bags of pills in his jacket pocket.

At Darlington Magistrates Court yesterday, Adrienne Harris, prosecuting, said: "Mr Gilligan has a lengthy record of 34 convictions and 139 offences, mainly for theft and drug offences.

"A small bag was found in his fleece jacket and he seemed to be under the influence of some kind of substance.

"He said the tablets were valium then said they were laxatives."

The tablets were later found to be class A diamorphine and class C temazepam.

During questioning, Gilligan, 26, told police he needed to pick up a methadone prescription from a local pharmacy. When officers visited the store, staff told them that Gilligan had stolen six tubes of mascara worth £33 from the shop earlier that day.

He was charged with theft, driving while disqualified and without insurance, and possession of drugs. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

In mitigation, Stephen Andrews said that Gilligan had a long history of drug abuse but was beginning to tackle the problem, had recently become reconciled with his family and was set to take up a training course at Darlington College.

"Matthew has been completely clear of any illegal substances for the last ten days - I have known him for more than 15 years and I have never been able to say that before," he said.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report until July 10. Gilligan was given unconditional bail.