A crook filmed on television in Monty Don's farm project has been jailed for 18 months at Worcester Crown Court.

Christopher Smith carried out a raid on the city's university to steal computers and projectors.

He also stole toys from Woolworths in Malvern and was stopped by police in a car carrying stolen DVDs and tools used in break-ins.

His barrister Daniel Oscroft said since being on the BBC gardening expert's project in Herefordshire, Smith had shown insight into his offending, which was caused by the need to fund heroin addiction.

Don is trying to help young addicts by getting them involved in growing organic vegetables and working the land at a farm near his home.

The project has been filmed as a series called "Monty Don: Growing out of Trouble" and also features Rocky Hudson an ex-Worcester drug squad, detective now working for the probation service.

Smith, aged 24, of Rydal Close, Warndon, Worcester, pleaded guilty to seven counts of burglary, attempted burglary and theft.

Judge Alistair McCreath said his time in jail would give him a chance to get clean of drugs.

In the dock with Smith were Matthew O'Brien, 23, of Grasmere Drive, Warndon, Worcester, and 36-year-old John Silk, of Mountbatten Road, Malvern. O'Brien admitted six counts of burglary, theft and attempted theft and Silk four thefts and one attempted theft.

The judge freed O'Brien from custody for assessment by the probation service for a drug treatment and testing order. He gave Silk 10 months' jail.

Prosecutor Laura Kasasian said Smith broke into University College, Worcester, on January 17, this year through an insecure door.

He tried to steal two projectors but left both of them behind in a damaged state.

Smith got away with two computers but his footprints were found at the scene by police. He kept on committing thefts after continually being bailed by Worcester magistrates.

The judge said he was critical of those who handed out bail and added that his crime spree would have been "nipped in the bud" if Smith had been kept in custody.

Other stores targeted for Worcester shoplifting expeditions included Woolworths, PC World, Tesco in Warndon and Boots in Pershore.

Mr Oscroft said Smith would take the opportunity to "deal with his demons" and was reflecting on where his life was going.

Mary Loram, for O'Brien, said he appreciated how lucky he was to be given a chance to kick his drug habit.