A MAN who recognised his drug habit was out of control has welcomed a six-month prison sentence.

At Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, Edward Corbin, whose address was given as care of Magg's Day Centre in Worcester, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft - £60 worth of aftershave from Superdrug; £50 of meat from Sainsbury's; a £20 set-top box from Matalan; plus duvets from Homebase - all committed this month.

Last week Corbin, 25, walked into Worcester Police Station and admitted the thefts.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said Corbin "openly admitted his intentions were to steal in order to sell the goods and use the money to buy drugs for himself."

Mark Sheward, defending, said Corbin has been dependant on heroin for years.

"On January 18, he went to the police and told them he had committed these thefts," said Mr Sheward.

"They actually turned him away but he returned the next day and pursued the matter.

"He realised that this heroin dependency was getting out of control. He realises that unless he is taken off the streets he is going to continue to use heroin and has come to the conclusion that the best way to deal with it is by going into custody."

Activating a suspended sentence District Judge Bruce Morgan sent Corbin to jail for a total of six months - 90 days for a previous offence and 14 weeks for the thefts.

"The first three matters would never have come to light if it were not for your honesty about your dishonesty," he added.