By Staff Reporter

Last updated 09:16, Saturday, 10 May 2008

A HEROIN addict became a serial shoplifter in Carlisle to fund his long-standing habit.

John Allan eventually sank so low that he broke into the home of a relative and stole goods worth hundreds of pounds.

Now the 24-year-old is beginning an 18-month jail term after a judge said he had “sentenced himself to prison”.

Allan, of Dalston Road, Carlisle, admitted burglary and three counts of theft when he appeared at the city’s crown court.

He also asked for two other counts of theft to be taken into account. Prosecutor David Polglase said Allan stole a boxed set of DVDs from Zavvi in The Lanes shopping complex in Carlisle on February 23.

When questioned he told police he had stolen them to clear a drug debt.

After being freed on bail he twice stole ornaments from Celebrations in Bank Street, again in Carlisle, on April 4.

The total haul, which had an estimated value of £426, was never recovered.

A few days later Allan and his girlfriend broke into a house which belonged to his cousin.

They claimed they had nowhere to stay.

The pair ended up taking jewellery and other items valued at £652.

The other thefts were from the Debenhams store in The Lanes shopping centre and involved aftershave which was worth hundreds of pounds.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, said that Allan had been in a destructive relationship with another heroin addict.

He had now ended that.

He had never intended to steal from his relative and was full of remorse. In the past he had always stolen to fund his habit but wanted to change.

Recorder David Williams said Allan was full of good intentions when he was close to the door of the court or a prison cell – but he did not actually appear to have the backbone to break his drug habit.

He described Allan’s burglary of his relative’s home as a despicable crime.

Allan was sentenced to nine months for the burglary and three months for each of the thefts.

All of the sentences will run consecutively.