POLICE found children's clothing valued at £583 when they raided a flat in Kidderminster.

The clothes, still on hangers, were stolen from a shop after a paving slab was thrown through the window at night.

John Ashton, who was living at his brother's flat in Windsor Drive, had allowed the premises to be used by others to stash the haul, said William Rickarby, defending, at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.

The 20-year-old had been in the grip of heroin at the time but had since taken steps to rid himself of the addiction, he added.

Ashton admitted handling stolen goods and his sentence was deferred until September.

Recorder Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC said he was following the lead of magistrates who also deferred sentence on the defendant last year for four offences of shoplifting.

The recorder told Ashton he would be given a non-custodial sentence if he kept off drugs and stopped offending.

Prosecutor Nigel Reader said the clothing was stolen from Adams Children's Wear in Worcester Street, Kidderminster, on July 26, last year.

Police found some clothing dumped on the pavement outside.

Officers raided Ashton's home 11 hours later but he locked the door and tried to escape through a window. He was quickly caught.

The clothing was found inside a cupboard. All together, 69 items were recovered.

Ashton told police he knew nothing about the burglary and said other people had keys to the flat.

He had previous convictions for theft and drug possession

Mr Rickarby said he was self-motivated to kick drugs.

His parents supported him and, together with his father, he had been on a roofing course. They hoped to set up in business together.