A 34-YEAR-OLD man has been given 18-months' probation after admitting four shoplifting offences.

Geoffrey Thomas Hayward appeared at Dartford Magistrates' Court for offences committed between August and October.

Hayward, of no fixed address, had already admitted he had problems with alcohol and been in custody since October 18.

Victoria Hart, mitigating, said: "He has admitted at least one of the thefts was a cry for help."

Hayward was also ordered to attend an alcohol treatment programme for 12 months and to pay costs of £40.

Chairman of the bench John Loughlin said: "If you comply with this it will keep you out of custody.

"It is designed to help you but it will only help you if you help yourself."