A RECOVERING drug addict has apologised for stealing a charity collection tin containing £14.

Martin McKittan, 33, walked into the Cheapside Pharmacy in Shildon to collect his methadone script when he was caught on CCTV picking up the box belonging to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity.

McKittan, of Pearl Street, Shildon, pleaded guilty to theft in Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old told the court it was a “spur of the moment thing”, with the £14 being used to buy dog food.

Chairman of the bench, Nick Edger, addressed McKittan and said: “I hope you’re suitably ashamed of what you’ve done.”

McKittan was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £14 compensation to the charity, as well as £85 costs.