A prolific burglar who raided 18 premises to pay off drug debts has been spared a custodial sentence.

Recorder Barbara Carter said the public would be better protected if Stephen Reeve was given a two-year community order.

The 32-year-old targeted the homes of foreign workers employed on agricultural land and raided domestic garages, a shop and a kebab food outlet, Worcester Crown Court heard on Monday.

Reeve, of Manor Close, Wickhamford, pleaded guilty to eight burglaries and asked for ten more and a £200 theft from a building society to be taken into consideration.

The recorder said the break-ins has caused distrust and distress among land workers.

But after hearing that Reeve had spent five months in custody on remand, she said "the most effective way" to prevent further crimes was the community order with a condition of drug rehabilitation.

She also passed a criminal anti-social behaviour order banning Reeve from agricultural land in Evesham, Pershore and Worcester.

It also barred him from meeting three other convicted burglars.

Timothy Pole, prosecuting, said Reeve carried out a spate of raids in August last year in the Hop Gardens, Evesham.

He stole food, alcohol and cash from retired people, including one woman who was blind.

The second burglary spree was in May and June this year after Reeve became addicted to crack cocaine.

His raids included a barn in Broadway Road, Evesham, a shop in Broadway and a fruit farm in Cropthorne.

He had previous convictions for theft, shoplifting, fraud and obtaining false benefits and last year breached a drug treatment and testing order imposed instead of jail.

Michael Conry, defending, said drug dealers had put pressure on him and his partner to repay drug debts. His father paid off the last £500 he owed.

"Because of his use of drugs he became vulnerable to exploitation," he added. "His offences are troubling, given his age, and he is ashamed of his behaviour."