A MAN from Radcliffe with a history of drug abuse was caught by staff at Wilkinsons store, Rochdale, when he tried to steal six bottles of deodorant.

Christopher Lomax, aged 21, of Kirkstall Gardens, also pleaded guilty to dishonestly receiving boxes of Parker pens worth £50.

The bench imposed two new concurrent drugs treatment and testing orders. He was ordered to pay £60 court costs.

Mr Harold Smith, prosecuting, told magistrates at Rochdale that Lomax had hidden the Lynx deodorant under his shirt and had walked out of Wilkinsons store without paying. He was detained and said he had stolen the goods to buy food. He was said to have 21 previous convictions for theft.

However, at the police station Lomax asked for a second interview and said he wanted to speak about Parker pens in his possession.

He said he had received them from a friend who had asked him to sell them. He suspected they were stolen.

On his behalf, Mr Ian Mann said it was significant that after arrest Lomax was tested for drugs and the test proved negative. It appeared he had been complying with a previous order from the Bury court.

"This was a minor blip in what has been good progress and a drugs treatment and testing order needs time to work," Mr Mann added.