A HEROIN user who has admitted stealing and ignoring court orders has been kept in prison while his sentence is decided.

Philip Hollings, of Fallowfields, in Warndon Villages, pleaded guilty at Worcester Magistrates Court to one count of theft and another of breaching a drug treatment order.

Last month he had admitted two other charges of theft, from Marks & Spencer and Whittington Road filling station, and another of failing to surrender to bail.

Leslie Ashton, prosecuting, said there was a "serious" danger he would re-offend if released while a pre-sentence report was being prepared.

"He has an extensive record of theft and some of the offences have been while he was on bail," she said.

Brian O'Donnell, defending the 23-year-old during Tuesday's hearing, said Hollings was not a violent man and had managed to gain some stability in his life.

"He admits he has a heroin problem, but there is no history of violence and he only tends to commit theft," said Mr O'Donnell.

"When arrested he is totally co-operative and now has an address with his girlfriend in Warndon Villages. He is anxious for bail so he can gain employment."

However, magistrates refused the application and remanded him in custody. He will reappear in court for sentencing on Monday, May 24.