Thief caught on CCTV stealing from Hartlepool charity just hours after registering for help

Anthony Norton had registered for help from the Reach Out Ministry in Hartlepool, a charity which offers support to people with substance abuse problems.

But just hours after he registered, Norton was spotted in a staff-only kitchen, which raised suspicion and prompted a security check.

Prosecutor Neil Pallister said: "CCTV showed the defendant forcing entry to the office, forcing a number of drawers open, searching through them and taking a £20 note. £700 of damage was caused."

A statement from the charity said: "I think it is despicable that he has stolen from the charity when we had tried to support and help him.

"That time and effort could have been spent on someone who was really trying to help themselves."

Norton, of Burlinson Gardens, Wardley, Gateshead, admitted burglary in relation to the raid.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that just a week later Norton committed a second offence that will leave a shop worker having tom spend six months fearing he had caught a contagious disease after he was stabbed with a syringe.

The staff member had been on duty at Iceland in Gateshead when Norton went in and stole two bottles of spirits last April.

The 44-year-old thief was chased and cornered by members of staff at a nearby transport interchange.

Mr Pallister said one worker told Norton to hand the alcohol back and he would be let go but added: "As he reached forward he saw the defendant was holding an uncapped needle in his right hand, facing towards him.

"The defendant then appears to have swung his right hand and the needle has punctured his left arm, just under the elbow.

"It caused a small puncture wound.

"The complainant backed off and started to panic. He noticed a drop of blood coming from his arm."

The court heard the victim was taken to hospital where he was given a hepatitis vaccine and medication for those who may have been exposed to the HIV infection.

The victim said in a statement: "I have been stabbed with a needle for just doing my job.

"I don't know if the needle was clean or dirty or if I am likely to catch anything.

"I have to wait six months to find out if I have caught anything, which will be six months of stress and worry."

Norton claimed he suffered an eye injury during the confrontation, where a 'wet floor' sign was thrown at him, and has said he may never regain his sight on the left side.

He told the court: "I've had two operations already and I am waiting for a third one."

Norton admitted theft, assault by beating and possession of an article with a point.

Judge Julie Clemitson said the attack on the shop worker caused "great fear and distress".

The judge said the break-in at the charity was "mean" and that the financial loss caused "could have been spent on someone who really did want their help".

Norton was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with rehabilitation requirements and a five month nighttime curfew.

The judge said Norton has made progress since the offences over a year ago and is now drug free.

Tony Cornberg, defending, said the needle injury was caused recklessly and Norton had no intention of stabbing anyone with it.

Mr Cornberg said Norton had relapsed into heroin use at the time of the offences but now feels "empathy and embarrassment" about his behaviour and is genuinely remorseful.

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