A REFORMED drug addict, whose pregnant girlfriend spent their money on heroin, resorted to stealing less than a month after release from prison so they could eat, a court heard yesterday.

Harrogate magistrates were told that Ian Halder, 23, was arrested on Sunday trying to smuggle two joints of beef out of the town's Co-op store, in Chain Lane.

Stephanie Waite, prosecuting, said Halder, of Croft Way, Acomb, York, had been released at the beginning of September after receiving a four-month sentence for theft and deception.

Halder pleaded guilty to theft, and his solicitor, Kevin Blount, said he had a long-standing heroin addiction, but was trying to kick the habit. He had realised his habit had got out of control and had come out of prison drug-free after being prescribed a heroin blocker.

He had intended to go back to his mother's home in St Stephen's Road, York, realising he would have more chance of staying clean if he was away from his girlfriend.

But when she told him she was three months pregnant, he changed his mind and wanted to support her.

Court chairman Forrest Humphrey deferred sentence until December 22 and told Halder to stay clear of drugs and keep out of trouble in the meantime.