THREE bows and 62 arrows were among the items that jobless and bankrupt James Harrison stole when he committed a series of thefts in Littleport. Harrison s life was in complete turmoil when he stole the archery equipment from Littleport Sports and Leisur

THREE bows and 62 arrows were among the items that jobless and bankrupt James Harrison stole when he committed a series of thefts in Littleport.

Harrison's life was in complete turmoil when he stole the archery equipment from Littleport Sports and Leisure, Ely magistrates heard on Thursday.

He lost his job as an apprentice plumber when he reversed over a pipe, his girlfriend left him, he got involved with heroin and started to drink more than he should.

"He attempted to take his life on six occasions," solicitor Michael Judkins told the court. "There was period when he was out of work, and his life was in a terrible mess."

Twenty-three-year-old Harrison, of Hardwicke Close, Littleport, was in debt to the tune of £15,000, but the Citizens Advice Bureau had helped him schedule the debts, added Mr Judkins.

Harrison admitted stealing the bows and arrows, worth £200, between April 28 and May 1. He further admitted stealing seven electric toothbrushes worth £184.83 from Lloyds Pharmacy in Littleport, on July 7 and stealing beer and biscuits on May 28, four bottles of lager on June 9, and lager and donuts on June 27, all from the Co-op in Littleport. Sentencing was adjourned until August 10 and he was given unconditional bail.