LAWRENCE QUINN FROM PLYMOUTH SENTENCED FOR BURGLARY AND SHOPLIFTING AT VIRGIN MEGASTORE AND LOCAL LIBRARY
In November 2004, Lawrence Quinn, a 42-year-old man from Plymouth, was sentenced to six months in prison following his conviction on charges of burglary and shoplifting.The Plymouth magistrates heard that Quinn had committed multiple thefts, including stealing a DVD box set from Virgin Megastore and a mobile phone along with a wallet containing approximately £30 from a local Plymouth library.
Quinn is notably known for owning a property in River View, Prince Rock, which had previously been used as a crack house.
This property has been secured and boarded up under a court order obtained by local law enforcement authorities and the city council, and it remains closed until January.
The court proceedings revealed that Quinn’s criminal activities and issues with housing stem from ongoing conflicts with the authorities, particularly following an anti-social behaviour order that excluded him from his home.
During the hearing, Quinn’s solicitor, Alan Harris, explained that all of the recent legal troubles had arisen after the city council sought to enforce the anti-social behaviour order, which effectively rendered Quinn homeless and 'outlawed' in the eyes of the community.
Harris emphasized the difficulties Quinn faced in finding alternative accommodation, which contributed to his criminal conduct.
Regarding the specific charges related to the library burglary, Quinn was sentenced to four months in prison.
Additionally, he received a two-month sentence, to run consecutively, for the shoplifting incident at Virgin Megastore.
The combined sentences reflect the magistrates’ view of the seriousness of his offences and the ongoing issues surrounding his conduct in the Plymouth area.
