A PROLIFIC thief stole bacon and coffee from two Wyre Forest stores before he was recognised by a police officer.

Damien Evans was first spotted in Stourport's Londis, where he stole £30 worth of bacon, on May 4 before he was recognised on CCTV stealing five jars of coffee, totalling £14.95, from Kidderminster's B&M Bargains on May 18.

Mark Soper, prosecuting, said: "On May 4, a customer informed staff that someone was taking bacon. CCTV was subsequently checked.

"He took 15 packs of bacon, which he put in a bag and left.

"On May 18, at 11:20am he was recognised on CCTV by a local officer. He was interviewed and made full admissions."

The court heard how the 26-year-old had 18 convictions of theft on his record before committing these further two.

In mitigation, Gary Harper said Evans' record was not one he could be proud of, but "there is a light at the end of the tunnel."

He told the court how on July 27 Evans was released from prison after serving three weeks of a six-week sentence for offences from February.

"It seems to have done him some good as while he was there he was able to take some steps to address a heroin addiction," he said. "He was given a methadone script in custody, which has been continued now he's been released, and he's now getting help as Swanswell [alcohol, drug, and support services].

"These offences were committed prior to him being in prison. He's had a constant battle with drugs, but so far he has only taken his methadone and has not had to 'top-up' with heroin. This is the first time this man has been able to that. And this is the longest time he's managed to stay offence-free without topping up with drugs."

Evans, of Albert Road, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft when he appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, September 17.

Chairman of the magistrates, Sue Roberts, sentenced him to a curfew order between 8pm and 8am for six weeks, and ordered him to pay £44.95 in compensation, £150 in court charges, £85 in prosecution costs, and a £60 victim surcharge.