A DRUG addict who went to his grandfather’s home while he was out and stole £200 from a drawer has been locked up for 16 months.

Robert Singleton, 72, had left his home in Shenstone Drive secure before going out at around 2pm on August 3 and on his return found that money had been taken from a kitchen drawer, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Realising someone had been in his house he made some enquiries and was told by a neighbour’s child that his grandson Luke Singleton had been round to the property in his absence, said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

When challenged Luke Singleton said, “I wouldn’t rob you. you’re my grandfather.”

Mr Singleton senior told him he wouldn’t say any more about the matter if the money was returned but his grandson denied taking the money and the police were contacted.

Singleton, 24, of Hardy Crescent, Ipswich, admitted burglary, two offences of shoplifitng, criminal damage and assault and asked for 32 offences of theft to be considered.

He was jailed for a total of 16 months.

Mr Crimp said Singleton had shoplifted from two Co-op stores in November last year and on one occasion had assaulted a member of staff and caused £100 damage when he was detained.

Richard Kelly, for Singleton, said his client had been a drug addict for a number of years and had committed offences to fund his habit.

He said Singleton had initially made good progress after a court made him the subject of a supervision order but had reoffended after he started using drugs again.

He said Singleton’s grandfather was keen for him to get help for his drug problem.