An Aberdeen roofer who takes heroin each day after work in order to “stabilise” himself has admitted a string of theft charges.
Mark Parvin was described as a “functioning heroin addict” as his unconventional lifestyle was outlined in Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
He appeared in the dock after stealing a Post Office account card and using it to withdraw money at a cash machine.
The 38-year-old also stole tobacco and tins of money as well as toiletries from the old Debenhams store in Aberdeen.
Graham Morrison, his solicitor, said: “He’s a working man. I’d describe him as a functioning heroin addict.
“He takes his heroin at 5pm every night. It just stabilises him.
“It’s effectively methadone to him.”
‘Sitting there with his heroin for his 5pm tea’
Sheriff Janys Scott QC asked: “Is he going to address his heroin use?”
Mr Morrison said: “He’s doing that. He’s going to alcohol and drug services himself.”
He explained it had been suggested that Parvin switch to methadone instead, but said that would impact his ability to work as he would need to consume it at a chemist’s shop in the morning.
The sheriff replied: “The problem is that it’s a Class A drug. He can’t do that.”
She said there was a risk of Parvin being found with the drug at his home and arrested.
She added: “If I put him on a structured deferred sentence, it’s quite likely somebody would go along and see him sitting there with his heroin for his 5pm tea.
“He can’t do that.”
Parvin admitted three charges of theft committed at addresses in Aberdeen between October 2019 and August 2020.
Sheriff Scott ordered Parvin, of Girdleness Road, Aberdeen, to pay a fine totalling £620.
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