Sainsbury's and Tesco thief, 41, also stole bikes in Worcester

Despite being years out of trouble drug addict Darren Parkinson relapsed, stealing to fund his habit - including two bikes.

Parkinson, of Chedworth Drive, Worcester, covered his face and rushed out of Worcester Magistrates Court in an attempt not to be pictured.

THIEF: Darren Parkinson leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Moments earlier the 41-year-old had admitted two thefts from a shop and two thefts of a pedal cycle, being sentenced at the court on Thursday, (November 23). 

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said Parkinson's first offence took place on June 13 when the defendant stole a number of grocery items worth £142.50 from Tesco in Warndon. 

A day later Parkinson went into a Sainsbury's store in the city helping himself to 15 steaks worth £130 in total, and again walking out without paying. 

Mr Beale said his first bike theft took place on October 27, the victim putting his bike up against the window as he popped into an opticians in Mealcheapen Street. 

The victim had kept his eye on the bike but when the victim wasn't watching, Parkinson got on the bike and rode off. 

STORE: Parkinson stole from Tesco Warndon (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Beale said the second bike theft took place three days later when the victim had been in the city popping into a museum with her children. 

"She had locked all the bikes," Mr Beale said.

"But the defendant managed to steal hers."

The prosecutor said, through the use of CCTV, her bike was able to be recovered but the other victim had not been so lucky.

Parkinson later admitted to police he had sold the bike, worth £385, for £20 to pay for crack cocaine. 

CASE: Parkinson's case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Beale added Parkinson had previous convictions but had gone a "substantial period" without appearing before the courts. 

Judith Kenney, defending, said after 10 years of rehabilitation the catalyst for relapsing into drugs and offending again had come two years ago when his former partner moved away with their children. 

Mrs Kenney said: "He wants to get better.

"He has done it before, he can do it again."

A probation service representative told magistrates they had assessed "there is a real prospect of rehabilitation" and were willing to support him.

Kevin Lloyd-Wright, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Parkinson: "You committed shoplifting, then went up a notch to pedal cycles. 

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"These offences, taken together, are serious enough to make a 12-month community order."

Parkinson's order requires he complete a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement and 20 days of rehabilitation.

The defendant was ordered to pay a total of £757.50 in compensation split between the stores and the victim who never got his bike back. 

The chairman warned Parkinson if he broke any of his requirements he could be resentenced. 

"That could include going to prison," the chairman added.