A THIEF has blamed a string of dishonest offences on his addiction to heroin.

Merrick Claughan, of Ferryhill, stole more than £130 worth of goods from the town’s Co-op store on three occasions without paying.

The unemployed 32-year-old was identified via CCTV and was charged with the trio of thefts.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that Claughan had put a stop to his long history of drug-related criminal behaviour after spending time in prison last year.

However, his solicitor, Stephen Hamill, said a recent relapse had led him back into committing dishonest offences. He added: “He recognises that heroin is a highly destructive drug. He does not have a methadone script or anything like that, but he knows he can get clean again like he did last year.”

Claughan must pay £137 in compensation to the Co-op and was given an eight-month community order.

No costs were ordered by magistrates as the Ferryhill man currently owes more than £1,000 to the courts.