A RECOVERING addict used heroin as a crutch after the breakdown of a relationship with the love of his life.

John Williams admitted stealing jeans and a shirt so he could look presentable for a meeting with his ex-girlfriend.

Williams, aged 47, of Baxters Walk, Malvern, had been off heroin and in a stable relationship with a woman, described as the love of his life, but he hit problems when it began to collapse.

Williams admitted stealing the items from New Look in Malvern on Saturday, August 23, when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester. Sarah Stock, prosecuting, said Williams entered the store, changed into new clothes in the changing rooms and left his old ones. She said: “He was seen wearing the stolen jeans which came with a belt attached.

“He said he wanted to look smart and get back with his partner but could not afford to buy smart clothes.”

Williams choked back tears as details of his troubled relationship were read out in court. Mark Sheward, defending, said Williams was in the relationship with the woman, who was not named in court, for 12 months and was addicted to heroin at the time he became involved with her.

A stable relationship allowed him to kick the habit but their relationship hit difficulties four months ago.

Mr Sheward said: “He felt he was losing the love of this woman, the true love of his life.

“Seven weeks ago he decided he would remove himself from the home they shared to give her some space.

“He relapsed and started to use heroin again – he used it as a crutch. He let himself go – he wasn’t eating or washing. He became rather unkempt.

“He then received a call from his partner to say she wanted to meet with him. He looked dreadful. He didn’t have any clean clothes. He went to New Look and changed his clothes effectively.”

Both now hope to get back together and Williams, now unemployed, hopes to become an HGV driver, Mr Sheward said.

The case was adjourned until Friday, December 5, for sentence.