A heroin addict who failed to carry out the requirements of a drug treatment and testing order has been jailed for 18 months.

The order was given to Raymond Dowie, aged 23, of Bishops Avenue, Worcester, after he pleaded guity to burglary.

But Richard Atkins, prosecuting, told Worcester Crown Court that Dowie's attendance was poor and he failed many drug tests.

Judge Michael Mott said the defendant had been lucky not to go to jail when the case was first before the court last year.

He said it was impossible to throw money and effort at someone who failed to turn up and refused to co-operate.

The court heard that Dowie broke into a house in Lansdowne Road, Worcester, on May 7 last year. A brick was thrown through a window to gain entry.

Goods stolen included two compact disc players, a mobile phone and £40 cash.

Dowie's fingerprint was found on a piece of glass in the kitchen, said Mr Atkins. He sold the stolen property to buy heroin. He had previous convictions for drug possession and shoplifting.

James Wood, defending, said Dowie had genuinely tried to kick heroin and was still making efforts. This was the first burglary on his record and the property was unoccupied at the time of the break-in.

Judge Mott revoked the 18 months drug testing order.