A DESPERATE heroin addict who stole from two Ely shops just days after trying to rid himself of his habit and go cold turkey has been given a community sentence. David Harley — who now has a prescription for methadone — will be supervised by the probati

A DESPERATE heroin addict who stole from two Ely shops just days after trying to rid himself of his habit and go "cold turkey" has been given a community sentence.

David Harley - who now has a prescription for methadone - will be supervised by the probation service for 18 months.

"We have given you a golden opportunity to help resolve your drug issues," he was told by presiding magistrate Bryant Watson at Ely court house on Thursday.

The court heard how Harley, 39, of Friars Place, Littleport, stole £562 worth of jewellery from Steeplegate and a selection of toys from City Cycle Centre on November 6.

At an earlier hearing, Harley explained his behaviour, saying he was hospitalised when he tried to come off heroin, but was released before he had a prescription.

Harley, who told the court his new prescription has already improved his life, was told to carry on with his rehabilitation programme, and pay £50 costs.