A DRUG addict from Kidderminster stole tools worth over £800 after breaking into a model maker's workshop.

The victim awoke, however, to see lights on in the building and grabbed Nicholas Walker as he ran out.

He had known the raider for 15 years and the crook remarked: "If I'd known it was you, I wouldn't have touched your stuff," prosecutor Scott Coughtrie told Worcester Crown Court.

Walker also broke into a garage and a shed in the same street and stole cans of lager and more tools.

The 23-year-old, of Worcester Road, Kidderminster, admitted to three counts of burglary and one of handling stolen goods.

Judge Michael Mott gave him a 12-month drug treatment and testing order after hearing he had spent three months in custody on remand.

Tests on Walker in jail showed he was now free of drugs and the judge said: "I recognise your motivation to change your way of life. You can see how much brighter the world can be without heroin and cocaine."

Walker broke into the workshop in Oakhill Avenue, Kidderminster, on August 3 last year and stole tools worth £846. The owner makes miniature trains.

His daughter called police but Walker managed to break free and climb on to a shed.

A search of Walker's home revealed a stolen wall stripper. He had a record of 69 previous offences for burglary and theft.

Adam Western, defending, said the building worker had shown progress while in prison and had been drug-free for some time.

"This young man has a bad record for similar matters but would make good use of a drug testing order," he added.