A MAN stole aftershave to feed his drug habit, a court was told.

Gary Jackson, of Whitestone Lane in Hillhouse, admitted the theft from Boots in the Great Northern Retail Park.

He appeared before Kirklees magistrates yesterday. The 23-year-old was in custody after failing to attend court for the initial hearing on June 28.

Carole Lawford, prosecuting, said that on June 17 Jackson entered the shop with an orange Sainsbury’s Bag for Life.

Jackson then selected three bottles of aftershave from the shelves and left the store.

He was spotted by a member of staff who recognised him as a known shoplifter.

Jackson was detained outside and the bottles – worth £73 – were recovered.

Ms Lawford said: “He said he hadn’t had his prescription for methadone for several weeks. He was stealing to buy drugs.”

Ian Whiteley, defending, said that Jackson had a large number of previous similar convictions.

He said his client had not been engaging with the Lifeline Kirklees drug treatment service at the time.

Magistrates agreed to adjourn Jackson’s case for a full presentence report. He will next appear in court on July 16 for sentencing.

Jackson was also ordered to comply with the Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP).