A HEROIN addict stole two fragrance sets worth £105 each to feed his habit, magistrates heard.

Andrew Christopher Newey, 41, of White Horse Street, Hereford, pleaded guilty to theft and seven counts of begging in a public place.

Amy Davies, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court on Thursday, said that all the begging offences which took place in October and November were of a similar nature and involved Newey sat on the floor asking passers by for any spare change with money in front of him.

The begging offences happened in Church Street and Capuchin Lane.

Newey was seen by a witness causing an obstruction and asking passing members of the public for money.

The shoplifting offence took place on November 20 when Newey was in Debenhams and took two DIOR men's fragrance priced at £105 for each bottle before leaving without paying.

Newey was recognised from CCTV evidence and was arrested. Attempts were made to locate the fragrances but they couldn't be located.

On interview Newey admitted the theft but disputed the value which he thought was just short of £70 each.

He told police that he had sold both of them for £25 and said he couldn't remember what he did with the cash but that 'it wouldn't have lasted long'.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, mitigating, said Newey had committed the offences due to his issues with the usage of heroin.

She added that Newey also suffered from mental health issues.

Natalie Johnson-Stanley, probation officer, said that it was 'quite clear that Newey had severe drug issues' and had previous begging and shop lifting offences recorded against him.

She added that Newey had used heroin since he was 13 years old and was stealing to fund his addiction.

Magistrates ordered Newey to complete a nine months community order including a six-month drug rehabilitation course and five rehabilitation activity days.

He was also ordered to pay £185 costs, £210 compensation to Debenhams and an £85 victim surcharge.