A PROLIFIC offender, who currently has court fines totalling £3,219 against his name, has been urged by magistrates to turn his life around.

Terence Ambrose Christian Watson admitted attempting trying to steal two kit cameras and a Galaxy tablet from Sainsburys in Darlington on July 10.

He also admitted attempting to steal a Ben Sherman Watch from the TK Maxx store in Darlington the following day.

Newton Aycliffe magistrates heard how the 41-year-old, of Graham Court, Darlington, had an ‘unenviable record’ with 48 convictions and 86 offences. They were told he had on-going fines of £3,219.28.

Stephen Andrews, mitigating, said the offences were not to feed his heroin habit and that he was currently on a methadone programme.

“If there is something that can done to support what is already in place, I would urge you to go with that,” he added.

Watson was given a six month community order along with a six month drug rehabilitation order. He was also told to pay a victim surcharge of £85.