A DRUG addict with 71 previous convictions for theft has been sent to prison for eight months.

Richard Lowe, 27, of Cranmore Avenue, Park South, pleaded guilty to four charges of theft at Swindon Magistrates' Court yesterday .

The court heard that Lowe had spent seven years in prison since 1995 for similar offences.

District Judge Simon Cooper described him as an unacceptable nuisance.

Lowe admitted stealing nearly £900 worth of cigarettes from Kwiksave on September 11 last year, more than £200 worth of perfume from Debenhams on November 3, and £600 worth of electrical goods from Dixons on November 6.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing a pair of trainers worth £29.99 from Sports Soccer this week.

Lowe claimed that he was trying to turn his life around and his girlfriend is expecting a baby in June.

"I know I have got an horrendous record," he said.

"I've spent seven years in prison since 1995 but in the last eight months I have done every-thing I can to try and sort myself out. My girlfriend is pregnant and it's the first time in my life I have got something going for me."

Defending Martin Wiggins said: "You clearly have someone here who is a persistent offender with a large number of offences.

"In terms of the offences themselves there is no degree of sophistication. Everything has been rather stupidly executed. He is a man who has had a long history of drugs.

"But with the impending birth of his child that has to some extent induced responsibility in this defendant."

But District Judge Simon Cooper told Lowe: "You are a nuisance far beyond anything that is acceptable in this town. You have a very long record."

Lowe was given five months in jail for each of the three offences from last year to run at the same time and three months for the theft of the trainers, giving him a total of eight months behind bars.

The court made no order for costs or compensation.

Gareth Bethell