A HEROIN and crack addict stole cash cards from his father and burgled his next-door neighbour to fund his 15-shot-a-day habit.

Twenty-year-old Matthew Martindale used a credit and debit card to take more than £7,500 - in 67 separate withdrawals - from his dad's account earlier this year.

He pleaded guilty to charges of theft, burglary and criminal damage, and Worcester Magistrates yesterday heard how he went off the rails in a series of desperate events.

"After he had stolen money to fund his drug habit from his father, he broke into his neighbour's house - stealing £12 in cash and an answer machine - and left through the back door," said Liz Tweed, prosecuting.

"A jewellery box was later found turned out and an underwear draw was also tipped. Police discovered a foot print, which came from a Nike trainer found in Martindale's room, and he later admitted the offence.

"Two days later, on Friday, June 6, he smashed up his room at home with a baseball bat, and said to his father he was going to do something stupid and get himself arrested.

"He was then recorded on CCTV taking a video recorder from Safeway, and was found to be under the influence of heroin. He admitted the offences, saying he had lost his temper at home and planned to sell the video to buy heroin."

In mitigation, Charles Hamer said Martindale, of Stalls Farm Road, Droitwich, had made significant progress in fighting his addiction.

"He used to be on 15 shots a day, but has cut right down to just two," he said. "All of these offences are because of heroin and he has done a great deal to fight it.

"He feels acute shame and remorse for the incidents, particularly the burglary. We have spoken about how he perceives his life and he is quite clear the drug addiction has got to be dealt with.

"He has also pleaded guilty to the offences at the first possible opportunity."

Chairman of magistrates, Derek Nunney, said the court did not have sufficient sentencing power for the severity of the case.

Martindale, who was released on unconditional bail, will appear at Worcester Crown Court, on Friday, September 5, for sentencing.