Ballasalla man tells court of kidnap ordeal

Forced to steal meat to clear drug debt

A Ballasalla man was kidnapped by drug debt enforcers from the UK and threatened until he agreed to steal from Tesco to clear what he owed, a court’s heard.

Thirty-three-year-old Craig Phillip Teare, of Crossag Close, appeared before magistrates at Douglas courthouse.

He pleaded guilty to stealing more than £300-worth of meat from the supermarket on Lake Lane in Douglas in two separate incidents on 12 July, but denies one count of fraud on 11 June.

Defence advocate Steve Wood told the hearing his client had longstanding drug and alcohol problems but was now on the road to recovery.

Mr Wood said on the day in question, two men from Merseyside had bundled him into a car before threatening him on Douglas Head over money he owed to drug dealers.

He agreed to go shoplifting to cover the money but Mr Wood said Teare wouldn’t claim he’d been under duress as he’d then have to name the men who threatened him.

After he stole £75-worth of steaks, the men told him it wasn’t enough and forced him to go back inside, where was spotted by security staff as he attempted to make off with another £290 worth of goods.

Magistrates bailed Teare in the sum of £500 on condition he observes an 8pm to 7am curfew.

He’ll appear in court again on 12 September.