A HEROIN addict stole from his girlfriend and a friend to feed his habit, a court heard yesterday.

Lewis Mann, of Greenbank Road, in Darlington pleaded guilty to two thefts in September.

Darlington magistrates heard how Mann, 21, had moved into a friend's house in Marske Grove, Darlington on September 1.

A week later, his friend returned home to find that a video, camcorder, £55 cash and a set of keys were missing.

On September 10, Mann told his girlfriend that he had nowhere to live and she let him move in with her.

Later that day she returned home to find her television was missing and Mann was leaving.

The court heard that he told his girlfriend he had sold the television to buy heroin.

Mann then went to Darlington police station and admitted both thefts, although he denied taking the £55 from the friend's house. The television and keys were later returned.

Graham Hunsley, for Mann, said: "He realises he took advantage of people who offered him support, but he did have the strength and good sense to hand himself in.

"His girlfriend has stood by him and said he can return to live with her."

Mann was given an 18 month community rehabilitation order and ordered to pay £30 costs.