A DRUG addict broke down in a police interview because he “wants to change his ways”.

Ben Wood told officers he felt “overwhelmed by his situation” after being caught shop lifting in Worcester.

Owen Beale, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court said: “When interviewed in relation to the thefts he accepted that he had stolen the items and said he owed money and was hoping to pay off a loan shark, as he put it. He also admitted he was using around 101bs of Heroin a day and wasn’t feeling well. And that he was intending to sell the items to buy drugs.”

Mr Beale said: “On February 3 he went into B and M in Worcester and helped himself to a speaker and left without paying for it. The next day he went back and took a speaker and a clock and left with the items.”

“On February 10, he entered Sainsburys in St John’s and took a bottle of brandy. He was caught and the item was recovered.”

The court heard that Wood, 28 who is staying with the Salvation Army in Worcester was last before a magistrate in November and was sent to prison for theft.

Defending, Garry Harper said: “Following the three thefts, Mr Wood got upset and said he felt overwhelmed by his situation and stated he wants to change his ways going forward. For many years now he has been living on the streets which is pretty appalling with the weather and the very cold winters we have had.”

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“He has been to the Salvation Army trying to find somewhere to live and he genuinely has reached a point where he has had enough of living the life he has been living. He’s got off his backside to go to Swanswell and to housing services.”

Mr Stanley said: “He has also sorted out his universal credit claim and is genuine about wanting to change.”

A spokesman from Cranstoun Group, which oversees Swanswell said: "Swanswell is a charity empowering people to live healthy, safe and happy lives. Our skilled and compassionate teams work with service users helping them to make positive changes."

"Swanswell provides support and treatment to adults, young people and families in Worcestershire affected by problems with drugs and alcohol."

Swanswell, based on Castle Street also offers other services including needle exchange, prescribing services, peer mentoring, counselling and family and carer support.

After pleading guilty to theft Wood was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and made to pay £67.98 to B and M and a victim surcharge of £21.

The case was heard on March 5.