Heacham man Harry Wells fined after failing to attend follow-up drug appointments

A man described as a “prolific shoplifter” and a “heroin addict” has reportedly turned his life around after being found with Class A drugs in his system.

Harry Wells, 28, of Hunstanton Road in Heacham, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to attend assessments following tests for the drugs.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said that in April this year, Wells was detained in police custody for an unrelated incident, but while in custody, tested positive for having Class A drugs in his system.

Upon his release, he was given an appointment to attend the charity Change, Grow, Live’s (CGL) centre to carry out an assessment.

He was expected to attend an appointment on April 12, but did not show up.

The same thing happened later on in the month when Wells was expected to attend another appointment on April 25.

In mitigation, Tiffany Meredith explained that Wells was in a “complete state” at the time and missed those appointments.

She said: “He had never been in trouble before November, then became a prolific shoplifter and then a heroin addict.

“But there has definitely been a massive change in his circumstances. He didn’t know what was going on at the time, he was stealing to fund his drug habits and was struggling to find accommodation.

“He managed to get himself out of this as quickly as he got himself into this.”

Probation officer Lewis Spicer confirmed that the 28-year-old is now attending CGL appointments and has been compliant throughout.

Wells was fined £80 for the offence and he was ordered to pay £50 court costs and a victim surcharge of £32.