A LITTLEPORT couple who cared for their son through his heroin addiction were forced to ask him to leave their home when his disruptive lifestyle became too much. James and Diane Harrison had provided emotional and financial support for their son, also ca

A LITTLEPORT couple who cared for their son through his heroin addiction were forced to ask him to leave their home when his disruptive lifestyle became too much.

James and Diane Harrison had provided emotional and financial support for their son, also called James, after he got fired from his job as an apprentice plumber.

But after leaving their home at Hardwicke Close, he broke in and stole two digital cameras and memory cards worth £335.

Earlier, he had visited his father's workplace claiming he was desperate to wash himself and his clothes and asking for permission to enter the house.

But his father, whose health had deteriorated because of his son's behaviour, told him he could only use the tap in the garden.

After the break-in, he saw his mother at Cambridge railway station and returned one of the cameras to her.

Harrison, 24, of Parson's Lane, Littleport, admitted stealing the cameras and memory cards and lager from Littleport Co-op when he appeared before Ely Magistrates on Thursday.

Mitigating, Christine Metcalfe explained how Harrison's life had spiralled out of control since he became involved in heroin.

She told the court how he had worked as an apprentice plumber last year, and was on the verge of becoming professionally qualified.

But he now had a serious drug addiction that cost him up to £60 per day and he was stealing to buy food.

Ms Metcalfe said: "His intention when he went to the house was not to steal, but to wash, and clothes were later found in the washing machine. He became angry at not being allowed into the house and stole two cameras.

"His heroin addiction has taken over his life and he found himself in a desperate situation."

She added: "He accepts the burglary of the two cameras fully and later returned one to his mother."

Ely magistrates also heard how Harrison had been receiving support from the Probation Service for a month after previous convictions for theft.

Chairman of the Magistrates Bryant Watson ordered a pre-sentence report and added that a drugs rehabilitation course would be considered.

Harrison will be back at Ely Magistrates' Court for sentencing on October 10.