A DRUG addict admitted he was “silly” after stealing alcohol from a supermarket to fund his habit, having not appeared before the courts for three years.

David Mason was stopped by a security guard at Morrisons in Roman Way, Malvern, and found to have concealed over £65-worth of alcohol in a Bag for Life.

On top of the two bottles of Smirnoff vodka and bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, the 45-year-old also stole a multi-pack of Walkers Oven Baked crisps which he intended to eat.

Speaking before magistrates in Worcester yesterday, prosecutor Nicola Ritchie said the defendant had given a “full and frank admission” to the thefts when interviewed by police.

Mason had entered the supermarket at around 2pm on February 10 and was watched by a security officer heading to the alcohol aisle, having placed the reusable bag in a basket.

Miss Ritchie said he was “seen to conceal” the alcohol inside the bag by the staff member, who then stopped him as he attempted to walk out of the store.

The items were recovered in a re-saleable condition and Mason co-operated with the security guard and with police.

The prosecutor said the defendant had told officers he “intended to eat the crisps and sell the alcohol for his drug habit”.

She said he was last in court for a shop theft in 2016 but has not been convicted of anything since.

Representing himself in court, Mason accepted one count of theft from a shop and added: “I am sorry for doing it.”

Chair of the bench, Mr K. Knight, ordered Mason, of Knapp Way, Malvern, to pay a fine of £40, as well as costs of £135 and a £30 victim surcharge.

He agreed to do so at a rate of £5 a week from his Employment and Support Allowance payments.

Mr Knight said: “You have been clean since 2016.”

Mason responded: “I am a silly person”, to which the magistrate said: “Thank you, you may go.”