HEROIN user Paul Wilkinson began shoplifting again to feed his addiction only a short time after serving a six month prison sentence for similar offences.

Wilkinson, 29, of Austin Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to two charges of shoplifting at Asda and Marks & Spencer when he appeared before Burnley magistrates.

The court heard Wilkinson was seen on a CCTV camera, on April 14, stealing four silk shirts worth £140 from the Burnley Marks and Spencer store.

He also admitted stealing two bottles of whisky and a packet of razors worth £38.47 from Asda in Blackburn.

Probation officer Pat Devlin told the court Wilkinson had been referred to a rehabilitation scheme but that it was unsuccessful.

He said: "He found the structure there loose and unhelpful although he is still interested in rehabilitation."

Graham Tindall, defending, said: "Mr Wilkinson does have a lengthy record, all drug related, in effect, since he is stealing to fund a drug habit.

"He is a nuisance to shopkeepers.To take away his liberty does nothing to address the problems Mr Wilkinson is experiencing."

Wilkinson was warned by magistrates that this was his last chance.

He was given a probation order for 12 months, with conditions of residence, and ordered to pay £100 costs.

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