A THIEF with more than 70 convictions for dishonesty stole so his pregnant wife did not have to, a court heard.

Gary Brown, 35, stole a packet of razor blades worth £25 from the Asda store in Whinbush Way, Darlington, on August 10.

Blair Martin, prosecuting at Darlington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday said: "The pair ran out of the shop, but were arrested the next day.

"When interviewed, Mr Brown said he sold the razor blades for £15.

"He told police he was on methadone, which had recently been reduced, so he had used the money to top himself up with heroin.

"He was made the subject of a 12-month community order for exactly the same offence on June 16."

In mitigation, Steven Andrews said that three days after Brown, of Lansdowne Street, Darlington, stole the razor blades, his long-term partner gave birth.

"She said she would go out shoplifting to improve their financial situation, but he would not allow her to do this, but he recognised that their finances were somewhat dire, " said Mr Andrews.

"To that extent, it is accepted there was some prior planning, but it was no more sophisticated than that."

Brown, who pleaded guilty to theft, was given a six-month drug treatment order that will run alongside his current community punishment, and he was ordered to pay £25 compensation to Asda.