A PROLIFIC thief and former drug addict, who stole a charity collection tin intended for a little boy with cancer, says he wants to apologise for the pain he has caused now that he is in recovery and turning his life around.

Lewis Ilsley made headlines in September last year when he stole a collection tin containing £300 which had been donated to help raise £500,000 for five-year-old Oscar Saxelby-Lee to receive life-saving treatment in Singapore.
Mr Ilsley was caught on CCTV at Sophie’s Grill in Lowesmoor, Worcester, as he stole the money while staff were away from the till, at around 10.20pm on September 22, 2019.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison in October.

Mr Ilsley, now 42 and living in Hallow, contacted the Worcester News because he wanted to publicly apologise for the pain he caused while an addict.

“I stole what I thought was a tip jar, but it turned out to be a fund for a very poorly child. It destroyed me knowing what I had done," he said.

"I would like to apologise to the victims. I was at rock bottom and am truly embarrassed about what I did. Stealing that poor child’s fund has left a black cloud over my head like the old style cartoons.

"I was a drug addict and I committed the crime to fund that habit.

"I am coming forward like this because I am done making excuses and feeling like a pitiful victim.

“It is time to stand up and take ownership of what I have done. I’ve spent most my life battling with addiction. Now, I want something positive to come out of all the hurt that has been done.

“I am no longer in denial, or feeling sorry for myself. I am focusing on what I can change, making peace with the victims of my crimes, and trying to gain the respect back from my loved ones.

“My addiction came above my family and I have to live with that. I have punished myself for years, now it is time to move on and do what I can to help others.”

The reformed character has not used any drugs or committed any crimes since he was released from prison almost 12 months ago.

He added: “My time in prison was horrendous, I absolutely hated it. But that’s where the penny finally dropped.

“I feel I have finally given up on my old habits. I feel relieved that I know I don’t have to struggle in the cycle of addiction. There is a way out.”

Mr Ilsley now hopes to inspire positive change within other addicts in Worcester.

He said: “My life, much like anyone else’s, can’t be defined by a few paragraphs but can maybe start a movement that I feel is much needed in Worcestershire.

“One thing that is required before you can battle addiction is the desire to stop taking drugs.

“I am still in the early stages of my own recovery. But never more dedicated to the cause, to want to help people who feel they can no longer go on.

“I now feel true freedom from this illness – a mental illness that’s just as devastating as any other. The good news is, anyone can beat this with determination and desire.

“However, the general public need to understand that it’s not a simple choice, it’s usually triggered due to complex trauma.

“We all have a duty to understand and question and keep questioning why we judge those we don’t quite relate to.

“I’ve come to understand my trauma and learned behaviours but now at 42 I can do more. Hence why I want to share my story. To empower others out of the darkness and into recovery.” “Thank you for giving me this chance.”

For drug and alcohol addiction help, contact Swanswell via 01905 721020, cranstoun.org/about-us/swanswell/ or drop in to the centre at Castle House, Castle Street, Worcester.