A PERSISTENT thief who stole to feed his heroin habit has been ordered to comply with a drugs testing order by magistrates.

Jonathan Morgan was subjected to the year-long order after admitting 13 different offences at Droitwich Magistrates Court.

The court heard how 26-year-old Morgan had stolen items from supermarkets, as well as handling a stolen bike and breaking his bail.

He had also used threatening words and behaviour to police officers.

On one occasion, after he had been caught stealing from a supermarket, he was accosted by police but ran away and had to be detained by security guards.

"He admitted he had taken the items and said he was short of money," said Sarah Stock, prosecuting.

The court was also told that Morgan, of Vicarage Court, St Paul's Street, Worcester, had been imprisoned three times in the past for similar offences.

He had been hooked on drugs since he was at school, and stole to fund his ever-increasing drug habit.

"These were fairly inept and pathetic thefts, and he steals because he can't afford to feed his increasing drug habit," said Barry Newton, defending.

"He's driven to commit these crimes because he's an addict. His drug dependency is the root of his behaviour and has been since he started using in his late school years."

Morgan admitted four counts of theft, one of possession of cannabis, three of failing to surrender to bail as soon as possible, three of failing to surrender to bail, one of handling stolen goods, and one of using threatening words and behaviour.

He was fined £40, ordered to pay £100 court costs and £8 compensation, and was given a 12-month drug treatment and testing order by magistrates.