Shannan Geoffrey O’Farrell’s theft of a $5 spoon from a supermarket before he took cocaine brought him to the attention of law enforcers.

O’Farrell was dead when police found him but he was taken to hospital and revived, his solicitor told Dubbo Local Court.

Magistrate Philip Stewart said it was a “curious set of facts” before him.

O’Farrell, 31, pleaded guilty to stealing the spoon, possessing equipment to administer prohibited drug cocaine and administering a prohibited drug to himself.

The offences occurred on the evening of June 20 at Brookvale.

His solicitor said O’Farrell had since then gained stable accommodation with family and was “happy and settled here in Dubbo”.

O’Farrell was making efforts to overcome his drug addiction, the court heard.

The magistrate said stealing the $5 spoon had ultimately led to the man’s “near demise”.

“[O’Farrell] shot up, died, fortunately for him the boys in blue were there,” Mr Stewart said.

The offender then gave his take on the episode.

“I’m not glad I stole the spoon, but I’m glad someone was there to bring me back to life,” O’Farrell said.

He was convicted of all three offences and fined a total of $400.