A MAN with a good job came off the rails after dabbling with drugs, a court heard.

Daniel Weir lost his house and job and fell in with old acquaintances who used drugs, Droitwich magistrates were told on Thursday.

The 27-year-old admitted stealing two bottles of vodka with a co-accused from a Droitwich store on Thursday April 5.

Prosecuting lawyer Mark Soper said: "They were sold to pay for drugs."

Defending lawyer Dale Sheehan said it was an opportunist theft which happened after the cashier went into a back room to clean up a jar which Weir, of Singer Hill, Droitwich, had accidentally knocked to the floor.

Mr Sheehan added: "This is the first time he has been in court.

"He had a good and well paid job but his relationship of six years broke up and he lost his job and left the house he owned.

"At that time he picked up with old acquaintances from the past, where unfortunately drugs were involved.

"He has now severed these ties and is rebuilding his life.

"He is an upright citizen who came off the rails primarily for dabbling in drugs."

Magistrates gave him a two-year conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £15.99 compensation with £55 court costs.