A DRUG addict went to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet at Swindon with the intention of stealing.

The town’s magistrates heard that he managed to carry out his plan although he was caught leaving several shops without making any attempt to pay for the items later found in his possession.

Asif Ali Hamza, 32, of Broad Street, pleaded guilty to one charge of stealing clothing to the value of £161 from Marks & Spencer and to one charge of stealing fragrances to the value of £30.96 from the Beauty Outlet Store.

Both offences were committed on Friday, December 30, last year.

Pauline Lambert told the court that in both cases Hamza had been seen leaving the stores without paying for the items.

When interviewed he told police he had a drug habit and had gone to the outlet village with the intention of stealing.

Defending, Philip Hall said the offences had been committed just 16 days after Hamza’s last appearance in court.

“It would be nice to think that drug rehabilitation would be OK. He hopes to be clean by the end of the week,” Mr Hall said.

For the theft from Marks & Spencer Hamza was sentenced to one week in prison, suspended for 12 months.

For the Beauty Outlet Store theft he received three weeks in prison, also suspended for 12 months.

He was ordered to attend a drug rehabilation course for six months and 15 rehabilitation activity days.

Hall was also ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge.