A HEROIN addict stole mobile phone covers while on bail because he had taken too much valium, a court heard.

Mark Sinclair was ordered to stay out of shops in Worcester city centre until he next appeared in court on Thursday, November 22, on a charge of stealing jeans from Debenhams .

But the 30-year-old was caught stealing mobile phone covers from Woolworths after a passer-by saw him cycle down the High Street and enter the store.

He took three of the covers and left without paying, said Stephen Harris, prosecuting.

Barry Newton, defending at Droitwich Magistrates Court, said Sinclair, of Wheatfield Court, Callow End, who admitted the thefts, had had a problem with heroin for two years and was prescribed valium by his GP and drug agencies to assuage the effects.

Mr Newton said the father-of-one, who was currently carrying out a community punishment order, was clearly struggling.

"He's a nuisance offender but he is in the evil cycle of heroin usage," he added.

Magistrates adjourned the case until November 22.