A shoplifter from Lanner who wanted to go to prison so he could conquer his drug habit, got his wish after appearing before magistrates this week.

Talen Snelson, of The Square had put two tool kits worth £90 from B&Q into a foil-lined bag in the shop, and was caught as he made his way out without paying when a member of the public who had been suspicious about him took action to stop him. For his effort he was rewarded with threats and abuse from Snelson, 26, Truro magistrates heard.

Snelson pleaded guilty to four offences of shoplifting in Falmouth and Truro and also admitted breaching a community order on three occasions and breaching a conditional discharge twice.

Alison May, for the CPS, said Snelson had told the police he was stealing to support his drug habit and wanted to go to prison to try and get clean. He had previous convictions.

The court heard that he stole perfume, cosmetics and spirits, each time using a foil-lined shopping bag, and had been identified by CCVT on occasions when the member of the public had not been involved.

Rob Eccleston, his solicitor, said it was when Snelson started using heroin that he began a chaotic lifestyle which led to stealing. Snelson had said he thought going to prison was the only way he was going to conquer his habit.

The magistrates imposed a 38 week prison sentence on Snelson and ordered him to pay £215 costs and charges and £250 compensation.