A PERSISTENT offender has been "thrown a lifeline" by Dartford Magistrates after admitting a string of thefts.

Cabinet maker Graham Bridge the theft of several items in separate incidents.

The court heard he had a 10-year history of shoplifting fuelled by drug addiction.

In September, Bridge, of Freta Road, Bexleyheath, stole items from an Abbey Wood post office. He took a jacket from Marks & Spencer at Bluewater and razors, worth £248, from Boots in Bexleyheath.

Admitting a custodial sentence would be "entirely justified", his solicitor said: "He desperately needs help with drugs. If this is resolved, everything else will be fine.

"Sending him to prison would be the easy option for him because he knows it so well. His skills would be an asset to the community but he has never been given the chance to prove himself."

Magistrate Raymond Bellamy said the Bench was prepared to offer him a lifeline.

Sentencing him to a community rehabilitation order, including 24 months probation supervision and 80 hours' community service, he added: "People have shown faith in you, the rest is up to you."

November 15, 2001 16:45