A WORCESTER heroin addict who committed shoplifting offences to fund his habit, has been given one last chance by magistrates.

Richard Ristic, aged 26, stole items including food and clothes from shops around Worcester, starting shortly after he finished his last jail sentence.

Stephen Davis, prosecuting, said Ristic's crimes included stealing two jackets worth a total of £269 from Worcester's Millet's store.

He said he also tried to steal a television from the Giffard Hotel on Sunday, August 17, but was stopped by staff.

Questioned by police, he claimed not to remember some of the offences.

Ristic, of Barbourne Road, admitted three counts of shoplifting and one of burglary when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

Barry Newton, defending, said Ristic's behaviour was typical of a heroin addict.

"He came out of prison and had absolutely no support at all. He did rather well not to offend until the end of June," he said.

Magistrates agreed to give Ristic an 18-month drug treatment and testing order and ordered him to pay £118 costs.