AN addiction charity has voiced its support for a man in his fight to curb drink and drug problems after he recently fell off the wagon.

Michael Littlewood, who has been battling addictions to former legal high Black Mamba and other drugs, appeared before magistrates yesterday and pleaded guilty to a charge of drunk and disorderly.

Nia Charpentier, of Re-think, a drugs, alcohol and mental health charity, said: “The important thing to know is that support is available via the NHS or charities.

“With the right help people can recover and lead the lives they want to lead.”

Mr Littlewood, who was listed as homeless by the court, appeared in the Worcester News last month alongside his wife Michelle, who feared he would die if he didn’t turn his life around.

The 38-year-old was found seemingly drunk on a bench in St Martin’s Gate by Asda staff on August 21, and police were called.

“He appeared to be unconscious and was surrounded by needles,” said prosecutor Kerry Lovegrove, speaking in court on Thursday.

She said staff tried to wake him before dialling 999 – with the defendant becoming abusive and was then threatened with arrest by police officers.

The court heard, Mr Littlewood continued to be uncooperative with officers – and was “shouting and swearing” – before being handcuffed but then let go when he calmed down.

However, Ms Lovegrove said police were called again an hour later to the “exact same location” and found the defendant “more drunk than before and shouting” – so he was arrested again.

The prosecutor said Mr Littlewood, who was defending himself, has had 18 previous convictions from 36 offences, but has not been before the court since July 2015.

Mrs Littlewood was also present in court, with her husband apologising to magistrates for his behaviour and asking for community service instead of a fine.

Mr Littlewood is not currently working or in receipt of benefits and is instead fully supported by his wife. He was given a conditional discharge and fined £20.

Charles Townshend, chair of bench, said: “If you commit any other offence in the next six months you will not only be punished for today’s offence but for that offence as well. Keep out of trouble, keep your nose clean.”

Mutaher Shah opened Pepe’s Piri Piri restaurant in Lowesmoor last month and gave Mr Littlewood a job as a window cleaner.

Speaking to the Worcester News yesterday afternoon, following the court hearing, Mr Shah said Mr Littlewood is no longer working at the restaurant but wished him support on his road to recovery.

“He needs to sort everything out in his life [before he returns to work],” he said.

Ms Charpentier, of Re-think, went on to say: “Addiction is often linked to mental health problems. If you have an addiction problem with drugs or alcohol it may have started as a way to cope with feelings that someone felt unable to deal with in any other way.

“If anyone is worried about an addiction then we would advise going to your GP in the first instance,” she added.

Mrs Littlewood did not wish to comment when contacted by the Worcester News.