A REFORMED drug addict who joined the Samaritans helped to prevent a 17-year-old committing suicide, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Wayne Crowther has been a "listener" for the charity since becoming drug-free, said his barrister Samantha Forsyth.

And while he was in a young offenders' institution serving another sentence, he was able to help a fellow inmate threatening to take his own life.

Crowther, 20, of Homfray Road, Kidderminster, was before the court for four thefts from stores, driving while disqualified and without insurance and failing to answer bail.

Recorder Christopher Murray said he was giving Crowther a last chance and imposed an 18-month drug treatment and testing order. He banned him from driving for two years.

Samantha Crabb, prosecuting, said Crowther had stolen mobile telephones and answering machines from Staples in Crossley Park, Kidderminster, and six aluminium beer barrels from the Harriers Arms, Kidderminster, and clothing from two town stores.

Crowther, who admitted all the thefts, also pleaded guilty to driving in several Kidderminster streets while he was disqualified.