A serial offender who turned over a new leaf after overcoming drug and alcohol problems went “off the rails” when he was wrongly told he had 12 months left to live.
Dean Porter, 36, of Meltham , had 109 offences to his name by the age of 33, but put crime behind him after forming a relationship and addressing his alcohol problems.
But when he was wrongly diagnosed with cancer and told he had a year to live,he stole from a shop and was given a 12 month conditional discharge.
Then in August he went into the Co-op in Meltham and stole nine cans of deodorant worth £33 . He kept three for himself, gave some away and sold the rest.
Kirklees magistrates heard Porter, of Westgate, then found out the diagnosis was wrong.
Solicitor Bob Carr said: “He still has health problems and still needs treatment, but it is not cancer.
“He has 111 offences, but between January 2012 and June 2015 there were no court appearances.
“He addressed his drug and alcohol problems, was on the straight and narrow, and was in a relationship.
“Then he was diagnosed with cancer and told he had 12 months to live. That threw him off the rails. He thought he was dying.”
Porter admitted theft.
Vanessa Jones, prosecuting, said the offence came to light when staff looked at CCTV and saw Porter stealing the cans.
Porter was fined £80, told to pay compensation of £33.21, and must pay a £20 surcharge and £150 court charge. The conditional discharge will be left to run.
