A SHOPLIFTER with 94 previous offences made a "hash" of his rehabilitation by lapsing back into stealing, a court heard.

Ian Dawson had been making progress in his fight against drug addiction when he stole CDs from a Bury supermarket, magistrates were told. Dawson, of Wash Lane, Bury, admitted the theft of CDs worth £44 belonging to Asda. He was fined £50 by Bury magistrates and ordered to pay £50 court costs.

Mr Khalid Qureshi, prosecuting, said Dawson attempted to walk out of the store without paying for three CDs he had hidden inside his jacket.

Defending, solicitor Mr Anthony Shimmin said Dawson always openly admitted his offending. In the past, he had harboured a very serious drug dependency going back some time, but his dependency was diminishing thanks to help and treatment.

But Mr Shimmin admitted Dawson had made a "hash" of his rehabilitation by his latest lapse, although it was motivated not by drugs, but a need to get some money because of his financial position.

"Having made great strides forward he goes and spoils that progress by stealing," said Mr Shimmin, who added that Payne was no longer abusing drugs and was maintaining overall progress.