Drug addiction is an illness affecting thousands of people across the UK. It is a devastating illness that consumes those affected to the point where they are no longer able to think about anything else. This type of addiction affects the people taking the drugs as well as their family members and friends.
Watching a loved one struggling under the spell of addiction is heartbreaking, especially when there is nothing you can do to help. Many family members will want to do everything they can to help their loved ones but, in most cases, nothing they do or say will have an impact on the person with the addiction.
This is because drug addiction can be so strong that those affected simply cannot control their urge to take the substance they crave. While they are at the stage where their cravings are stronger than anything else, they may not be able to realise the damage their addiction is doing to themselves and others.
In some cases, addiction not only affects family members and friends – it can also affect the wider community, especially if the addicted person behaves in a disruptive or aggressive manner, or if he or she commits a crime to help fund his or her addiction.
Desperate Actions
In many cases, drug addicts become desperate to get their hands on cash to pay for the drugs they crave. Some will steal from loved ones, and others will commit violent crimes out of sheer desperation. This is exactly what James Wilson did when he robbed a corner shop in Inverness at knifepoint.
Wilson entered the shop with a six-inch blade, but shop owner Tasneem Butt bravely fought him off with a broom handle. Wilson made off with just £30, but passer-by Stephen Macdonald chased him.
Police detained the wrong man after a call from Mrs Butt’s son, but Mr Macdonald was able to lead police along the path he had taken when chasing Wilson. Police then found Wilson’s grey hoodie and the knife and were able to retrieve DNA.
Admission
After his arrest, Wilson came clean and admitted that he had carried out the desperate act in order to get cash to pay off a drug debt. He expressed his shame and remorse and was desperate to make it known that he would never have hurt Mrs Butt.
Wilson’s defence lawyer said, “My client was in the throes of a serious drug addiction at the time, and there is a recognition that he needs help.”
He also pointed out that the crime was committed out of desperation because drug dealers were threatening Wilson to pay back his debts.
Wilson was sentenced to two years in prison. However, Mrs Butt said she felt that a sentence of between five and ten years would have been more fitting. She admitted that she is still scared and is not yet over the incident.
Consequences of Drug Addiction
James Wilson will now spend time behind bars because of the crime he committed while Mrs Butt has to live with the memories of that day. There are wider implications on the taxpayer who will have had to fund the cost of the police time involved, the court proceedings, and the cost of keeping Wilson detained behind bars.
Drug addiction is an illness; those affected need to get help before things go as far as they did for James Wilson. Thankfully, there are many organisations around the country where addicts and their families can get help.
If you or a loved one need help to access these treatments, contact Rehab Helper today. We can provide you with free advice and support on the most appropriate treatments for your circumstances.
Source:
- https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/inverness/664929/inverness-man-who-robbed-shop-armed-with-knife-is-jailed-for-two-years/
