A MAN who stole almost £200 worth of cigarettes from two Co-op stores has told a court he is sorry and was going through a bad time in his life.

Remorseful Dean Harris handed himself into police after a friend told him a CCTV image of him entering one of the shops had been published online as part of a police appeal to identify him following the thefts.

And on Wednesday the 34-year-old came before magistrates in Swindon and pleaded guilty to stealing beer and cigarettes from Co-op in Windbrook Meadow, followed by more cigarettes from Co-op in Roughmoor Village Centre, Peatmoor, on August 23 of last year. In total the thefts amounted to £177.81.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, told the court how Harris was caught on CCTV picking up a pack of Desperados beers and putting it on the counter. He asked the cashier for cigarettes and as they got five packets out and put them in a carrier bag Harris fled without paying.

That same evening he went to Co-op in Roughmoor Village Centre, Peatmoor, and asked the cashier for cigarettes before grabbing them off the counter and making a runner.

Ms Lambert said: “He says he was going through a bad time separating from his wife with a young daughter involved.

"He was on a methadone script but was kicked off for missing it for a few days. He tried to buy it from people but went back onto heroin.

“He says he was struggling with money at the time. He says he is very remorseful throughout the police interview.

“His last previous conviction was in 2012 for theft. He said he had turned his life around and everything was perfect.

“He is disappointed with himself," she added. "He is back working and on a script. He is now looking to get his life turned around again.”

Harris, of Thorne Road, Eldene, who represented himself in court, said: “I’m very remorseful. My friend called me and said there was a picture of me on the internet. I rang up police and said it was a picture of me.

“It’s not an excuse for the bad time I was going through. I’m still working and back on my script.

"I’m sorry for what I have done. At the end of the day I’m guilty and want to take my punishment and put it behind me.”

Chair of the bench June May said: “We will be fining you for the offence and hope we do not see you back in court again."

Harris was ordered to pay fines and costs of more than £300, which will be added to the £150 Harris already owes to the court for a previous speeding offence.