A HEROIN addict with a £120-a-day habit was told he would be given one last chance to stop stealing by magistrates yesterday.

Dean Coulson, 29, of Pensbury Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one of failing to surrender to bail at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court.

The court heard he had a string of previous convictions for the same offences.

Ciaran Grogan, prosecuting, said Coulson took an English Heritage membership pack from WH Smith on February 27 and a digital phone from B&Q on Sunday.

When arrested for the first offence he told police he took £30 to £40 worth of heroin a day.

Mr Grogan said after the second theft he admitted having a £120-a-day habit.

Michael Clarke, mitigating, said Coulson had been struggling to give up heroin for 14 years and stole to fund his habit.

He said Coulson had been released from prison on January 5, but on returning to Darlington went back to friends and got back into the chronic habit.

"His GP has told him if he continues the way he's going he'll give him about nine months to live. I think that estimation is probably realistic," said Mr Clarke.

Magistrates asked for a pre-sentence report with a steering for a drug testing and treatment order.

Chairman Nigel Scott told Coulson: "You can either go for a future or you can blow it. It is entirely up to you."

Coulson was granted bail on condition that he stays out of shops in Darlington town centre and B&Q in Whessoe Road. He will be sentenced on April 6.