A SERIAL shoplifter stole to fund a drug habit, a court heard.

Luke Clements, 33, of Tudor Walk in Walcot pleaded guilty to five thefts when he appeared before magistrates.

On June 4, he stole four water filters worth £120 from Wilko in the Parade.

He returned to steal one water filter and 11 laundry detergent bottles worth £140 on June 11, 16 bottles of detergent worth £160 on June 15, and five water filters worth £108 on June 18.

He then stole three water filters worth £83.97 from the Range on June 18.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, said: "CCTV footage showed him putting items in his bag and leaving Wilko.

"A staff member at the Range saw him do this and detained him when he tried to leave.

"He was arrested, then admits the thefts in interview and is released on conditional bail until this trial."

Later that day, he was arrested again for stealing from Pets At Home.

Clements appeared in court on June 19 to be tried for this theft and given a 12-month community order with a drug rehab requirement.

Sambreen Arif, defending, argued that all of his offences should have been dealt with during that trial.

She added: "This is a gentleman with a long history of drugs misuse, particularly crack and heroin.

"These thefts funded a habit

"He's reduced his drug use significantly and seems really positive about addressing his issues."

Clements' community order was revoked and re-sentenced with the same requirements.

He must pay £538 in compensation, which will be deducted from benefits.