A drug addict who stole cosmetics worth £108 from Boots the chemists in Huddersfield town centre has been spared prison.

Stefan Rychter, 33, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to stealing the items when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court .

Prosecutor Richard Blackburn told the Huddersfield bench that the offence took place on July 30.

He said: “He put the items into his rucksack and walked out until apprehended by security staff who called police.”

The defendant also pleaded guilty to failing to attend court on August 16 and was taken into custody.

In mitigation, Zara Begum said: “Unfortunately when he was released from prison he had no benefits and committed the offence so he could survive.

“He also has a drug – cocaine – habit for which he has started with Lifeline, the drug rehabilitation agency.”

Chairman of the bench, David Longstaff, sentenced Rychter to four weeks in prison suspended for six months and the same sentence for the charge of failing to surrender.

Mr Longstaff told him: “This is your last chance to get off that vicious circle.”

A court surcharge of £115 was added to his outstanding total of over £1,000 debt to the court, payable at £5 per week from his benefits.