AN addict who was hospitalised with a blood clot caused by continuous drug injections has pleaded guilty to theft and amphetamine possession.

Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tuesday, January 14) that 34-year-old Steven Roberts of Major Street, Darlington, was already serving a community order when he stole glue from Wilkinson’s on December 14.

He was also found carrying the Class B drug when officers arrested him and he admitted the offences put him in breach of a community order.

Mitigating, Stephen Andrews said that Roberts had only recently come out of hospital after receiving treatment for a severe clot in his leg caused by intravenous drug use.

Mr Andrews said the enforced abstinence from illegal drugs and a stark warning from doctors that his lifestyle would kill him had led to Roberts staying clean and wanting to work with the probation service.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until January 30 to await a probation report.