A MAN stole coal from a garden centre because he was desperate for his next drugs fix.

Simon McDonald, of Handel Street in Golcar, admitted the theft on December 27.

The addict had stolen meat from a supermarket just days earlier.

He staged both thefts with the help of other men.

McDonald’s solicitor said that he had fallen in with the wrong crowd.

Kirklees magistrates in Huddersfield were told that the first theft on December 23 happened at Slaithwaite Co-op.

Bill Astin, prosecuting, said that the 28-year-old was helped by two other men.

He said they were spotted near the store with the stolen meat products, worth £105.

Mr Astin said: “A member of the public saw two men – one carrying a full paper bag and the other carrying a shopping basket with various meats.

“They found that suspicious and followed them.

“The men met with another male and were the process of putting the items into another bag.”

Police were called and while two of the group vanished, McDonald remained with the stolen goods.

In interview McDonald said that his intention had been to get food and drugs.

Four days later McDonald struck at Beaumont’s Garden Centre in Netherton, also with two other men.

Magistrates heard that a witness saw the group enter the compound through the wire fence.

They returned moments later, carrying large bags of coal worth £146.

McDonald was again arrested, telling police that he had been promised heroin if he helped move the bags up the hill.

Ian Whiteley, mitigating, said that his client had been influenced by his friends.

He said: “From his point of view he’s got himself into difficulties with the wrong crowd and committing offences.

“This is a case where the intervention of the probation service may be necessary.”

Magistrates adjourned McDonald’s sentencing until February 14 so that a full report can be prepared.