DRUG user Stephen Hogg needed help to wean him off his addiction so he turned to crime, a court was told.

Bury Magistrates heard he repeatedly took alcohol from a local store because he was struggling to sleep at night as he attempted to kick his habit but did not to pay for it.

The court heard how the 23-year-old entered the Co-op store in Ramsbottom in July. He was not seen by staff but CCTV cameras caught him stealing over £40 worth of drink which he hid in a carrier bag.

Just days later Hogg was back in the same premises and got away with £20 worth of drink. Twenty four hours later he returned yet again and left without paying for two bottles of vodka in a bag.

The bench heard he was spotted stealing and arrested moments after leaving the store.

Hogg, of Lepp Crescent, Bury, pleaded guilty to the charges of theft. He also admitted stealing six Playstation games worth over £200 from Tesco in the town. On that occasion he took the goods into the toilets, ripped off the security tags and tried to get away without paying.

The court heard Hogg had previously shown he could respond to court orders and was trying to tackle his drug problem and was keen to co-operate in any way he could to break the habit.

He was given a 12-month drug treatment and testing order and ordered to pay compensation of £61.