A HEROIN addict from Droitwich was advised by police to commit crime if he wanted fast access to treatment for his drugs problem, a court was told.

James Patterson, who appeared before town magistrates on Thursday April 19, for a number of theft offences was desperate for help to quit his habit.

Defending lawyer Rob McCrory said his client had fallen into heroin use.

He said: "Police suggested to him that he committed a further offence because it was the only way he was going to get help.

"It wasn't a useful suggestion but he went out anyway and stole something.

"The officer was referring to the fact it takes four months to get on rehabilitation programmes."

Since being in custody, 19-year-old Patterson, of Trent Close, had gone through cold turkey and was in the process of registering on a drugs scheme in Tewkesbury.

Patterson admitted committing five thefts and a burglary in March.

The offences included breaking into a shed in Upton-upon-Severn on Sunday March 11 and taking a cement mixer and chainsaw valued at £300.

Between March 14 and March 26, he stole two bottles of whisky, two bottles of gin and a quantity of Easter eggs from Co-op stores, in Upton.

Magistrates called for reports and Patterson was bailed until Monday May 21.