A DRUG addict thief says his living situation is 'diabolical', complaining that people keep stealing his stuff.

Darren Pass, who lives in temporary accommodation in a guest house in Barbourne Road, Worcester, arrived at Worcester Magistrates Court lugging a bag full of his property - so others could not steal it from his room.

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The 52-year-old, who already owes the courts £4,800 in unpaid fines, admitted theft of a pair of ladies boots and trainers to the value of £104 from Marks and Spencer in High Street, Worcester, on March 30.

Worcester News:

FREE: Darren Pass leaves Worcester Magistrates Court

 

Holly Sims, prosecuting, said Pass left the store with a carrier bag containing the shoes but was followed by the store's CCTV operator who recognised him.

"A police officer located the defendant who no longer had the bag. The defendant told officers where it was hidden" said Miss Sims.

However, when they found the bag it was empty and there was speculation that someone else may then have stolen the shoes which were never recovered.

Worcester News:

ARREST: Darren Pass came clean in his police interview. Photo: West Mercia Police

Pass fully admitted the offence. "He stated he did have money with him. He didn't really know why he had done it and apologised for doing so" said Miss Sims.

Pass has 65 previous theft convictions, taken by the court as a statutory aggravating feature.

Belinda Ariss, defending, said her client had an entrenched drug addiction for the last 30 years but had managed to be drug free for 51 days, 'the longest he had managed in the last 30 years' .

"The shop theft was a result of going back onto drugs" said Mrs Ariss.

She said: "He's at court today with items from his room because it's not safe to leave own items in his room."

Pass described his life at the temporary accommodation in Barbourne. "The situation is diabolical. It's horrendous down there. I just can't cope."

Magistrates made a 12 month community order and he was told he needed to engage with the probation service and 'show willing'.

They also imposed 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and ordered him to pay compensation to M&S of £104.

Pass was told he would not have to pay costs or a victim surcharge.