A HOMELESS heroin addict has been told by the court he must attend his drug rehabilitation requirement days to “make his life better” and help him kick the habit.

Paul Donachie, formerly of Kimberley Road, Park South, but now sofa surfing or sleeping rough in town’s car parks, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday for missing the compulsory appointments.

He spent the weekend in custody after a warrant was issued to bring him before the magistrates for failing to comply with the sessions, which were imposed as part of a year-long community order by the court in February, following shoplifting offences he committed.

But the 35-year-old did not attend the sessions between February 18 and April 7. However he had attended a previous appointment and the court heard this was the first breach.

Sambreen Arif, defending, said this was due to Donachie not being in the right frame of mind to accept the help.

“What’s happened here is Paul is a heroin addict,” she said. “These shoplifting offences were committed to fund his habit. He’s still unfortunately taking lots of heroin at this stage.

“What he is saying is that he wants to change and continue the community order and understands the benefits but he cannot do that at this stage of his addiction.

“He has an appointment with his doctor next Monday, on June 27, to get a script to maintain his addiction.

“He’s become homeless and he’s got a raging habit – he recognises this.”

Addressing Donachie chairman of the bench Viv Street said: “We have listened to what your solicitor has to say. We are going to extend this order by eight weeks.

“It is difficult for you at the moment and we understand that. In Wiltshire you are lucky to have a great probation service, if you let them help you your whole life will be a lot better for yourself and everyone around you.”

As Donachie had been in custody since 6pm on Saturday, this was taken in lieu of a £40 fine.