ALCOHOLIC Paul Kavanagh needed to cover up some smells after taking on an untrained dog, so he stole air freshener four times within a week. And on two occasions he stole rump steak, so he could feed the animal, Ely magistrates were told this week. Thirty

ALCOHOLIC Paul Kavanagh needed to cover up some smells after taking on an untrained dog, so he stole air freshener four times within a week.

And on two occasions he stole rump steak, so he could feed the animal, Ely magistrates were told this week.

Thirty-nine-year-old Kavanagh stole all the items from the Co-op in Littleport, and every time he was caught on CCTV.

"This was in-store CCTV doing its job," said prosecutor Matthew Bradbury. "He was seen going into the store in Main Street, picking up the items, and sticking them under his clothes before walking out."

Kavanagh, of Jersey Way, Littleport, admitted four charges of theft. He stole a £7.35 air freshener on January 15; rump steak, and an air freshener worth £13.34 later the same day; more rump steak, an air freshener and some cat food valued at £15.13 three days later, and stole two air freshener refills worth £9.18 on January 21.

He asked for the theft of food and a magazine from the Co-op between January 8 and 22 to be taken into consideration

"When arrested, he admitted going into the store with the intention of stealing," added Mr Bradbury. "He paid for some goods and hid others."

Mitigating, Jacqui Baldwin explained: "At the time he had taken on a dog that was not trained, hence the need for air freshener and meat.

"He has no excuses; he knows this behaviour is unacceptable. He did return two air fresheners to the police."

She said Kavanagh had struggled with an alcohol problem for more than 12 years.

He had received rehabilitation treatment but relapsed.

After being told that Kavanagh had an entrenched alcohol problem, the court ordered him to take part in a substance abuse programme as part of his community order, and pay £40 compensation and £65 costs.