Biomedical Student Stole Warhammer Games
According to the UK’s News & Star regional newspaper, 24-year-old Jamie Lane admitted to stealing over $8,300 of Warhammer models to support his addiction. Lane admitted to nine thefts in 2023, involving an accomplice, who was not identified in the report.
Both defendants are accused of putting kits into bags at the town’s Warhammer shop, leaving without payment, and leaving without making any visible effort to pay. This was according to prosecutor George Shelley, who presented evidence at Carlisle Magistrates Court in North-West England.
On September 4, Lane stole $8,300 (£6,523) worth of Warhammer figures, including nearly $1,270 (£1,000) worth in one go. His home was searched, and prosecutors found items worth $4,289 (£3,368).
During court proceedings, Lane’s probation officer discussed how he met the co-defendant at the Warhammer store. Lane desired to expand his Warhammer collection, but didn’t have enough cash – he needed the funds to feed himself.
Lane went from stealing miniature paints to stealing more and more, the probation officer explained. He got caught up in a pattern of increasing addiction to Warhammer and increased stealing.
It’s believed Lane was emotionally and financially distressed when he committed the thefts. His lawyer, Jeff Smith, stated that Lane couldn’t get a student loan due to a dispute with his parents and that he was bankrupt.
A probation officer confirmed Lane had been bullied at school and suffered depression since he was 10 years old. The case was so much so that he developed PTSD after receiving bullying and assaults by age 15. He was referred to a mental health crisis team.
The News & Star reported Lane was sentenced to 16 weeks in custody, suspended for a year. This includes ten days of rehabilitation activities. He must also pay the store £1,286, or £5 a week, for the loss of business.
The UK charity Mind provides advice on mental illness and financial difficulties. Lane is reported to have received the sentence thankfully.
