A SERIAL shoplifter with a long-standing drug and alcohol problem has been sent to prison following a spate of thefts.

Craig Dixon has been jailed at Durham Crown Court after stealing wine and whisky from several shops in the east Durham area.

The 29-year-old, formerly of Hawthorn Crescent, Horden, also stole three PlayStation games and a tablet computer worth £130 from his sister’s house.

The court heard he took two boxes of wine from B&M Bargains, in Peterlee, at 9.30am, on May 26, before trying to steal four bottles of wines from a newsagent in Horden, around 12 hours later.

Penny Bottomley, prosecuting, said: “He went in to the shop with his hood up.

“The owner says he was unsteady on his feet - he suspected he had been using drink or drugs.

"He took two bottles of wine and placed them in his rucksack, another bottle smashed on the floor.

"He had another in his hand and tried to leave.

“A struggle ensued and there was some pushing and shoving."

A family member assisted the owner and Mr Dixon was detained until police arrived.

The court heard he was in possession of lockable Stanley knife, with three spare blades, which he claimed he used to strip copper wires from electrical items discarded in skips and had no intention of using during the thefts.

The following day, Dixon stole two bottles of whisky from B&M Bargains, in Peterlee.

Dixon pleaded guilty to three charges of theft, one count of possessing a bladed article and breaching two suspended sentences between May 18 and 27.

The court heard he has 33 previous convictions for 82 offences.

Bill Davison, mitigating, said: “He has got a long-term heroin and alcohol problem.

"When he is on drink and drugs the offences occur. He was homeless.

“He can make no excuses for them. He clearly recognises that he is going to custody.

"He is a realist and knows the situation. He made full admissions at an early stage.”

Judge Simon Hickey enacted previously imposed prison sentences, of a year and 18 weeks, and ordered him to serve a further year, consecutively.

He said: “Your record is unenviable, mostly for acquisitive crime.

“Many, many retailers have had to bear your offences for some years.

“Stealing from your sister was particularly mean.”