A HEROIN addict who stole champagne has been put on a pioneering programme aimed at weaning people off the drug.

Simon Edge asked staff at the Malvern branch of Safeway to let him in just as the store began to lock-up on Sunday, September 14, a court heard.

"He said he needed a drink," said George Shone, prosecuting.

"He was then seen to walk out of the supermarket with a bag, without paying, and was detained.

"It contained two bottles of Bollinger, valued at £27.99 each."

Edge, of Drake Avenue, Dines Green, Worcester, admitted the theft as well as a breach of a conditional discharge.

The discharge was imposed in July, after Edge stole a pair of trainers from Debenhams, in Worcester.

Barry Newton, defending, asked Worcester magistrates to consider a Drug Treatment and Testing Order to tackle Edge's heroin addiction.

This would require Edge to appear at least once a month before the courts, which could order him to supply urine samples for analysis to confirm he was steering clear of illegal drugs.

"We are satisfied that you are dependent on drugs, but are susceptible to treatment," the magistrates told 20-year-old Edge.

They placed him on an 18-month programme, which would include twice-weekly counselling sessions, a detoxification course and assistance with accommodation if necessary.

He was told to pay prosecution costs of £118.

Edge's first review date has been scheduled for Friday, February 2.