A HEROIN addict who went shoplifting while wanted on warrant for other offences has been released on bail by magistrates provided he stays out of shops.

Jamie Tobin was caught stealing packets of steak from Sainsbury's two months after he failed to turn up in court for another theft.

But after hearing how the 27-year-old was offending to buy drugs magistrates freed him while the probation service compiled reports.

Nicola Wootton, prosecuting, told the court Tobin was first arrested on Friday, March 19 after he was caught stealing from Woolworth's in Swindon town centre.

He was spotted by staff taking two crockery sets from the store and leaving without paying for them, she said.

When he left the shop, the store's assistant manager rugby tackled him.

When he was arrested he admitted trying to steal and the police released him on bail to appear before magistrates the following week, but he failed to attend.

Because of the offence he was in breach of a conditional discharge imposed in September last year for stealing two bottles of Southern Comfort from a supermarket.

He was arrested on Bank Holiday Monday when caught stealing the meat.

Tobin, of Chickerell Road, admitted two counts of theft, one of failing to surrender and breaching a conditional discharge.

Andrew Hobson, defending, said his client became addicted to heroin about two years ago.

Mr Hobson said although Tobin had been jailed before, he had never had the opportunity of a drug treatment and testing order.

After adjourning the case for pre-sentence reports and whether he is suitable for a DTTO, magistrates released him on bail to live with his parents. He was ordered to stay out of shops and co-operate with the probation service.