Desperate for money to fund his heroin habit a Penryn man stole “a significant number” of packs of razor blades from Wilkinsons in Falmouth, Truro magistrates heard.

David Scott Lee, aged 39, of St Thomas Street, Penryn, pleaded guilty to stealing razor blades on August 10.

Alison May, for the CPS, said his theft was discovered after the store found more than 30 packs of razor blades missing from stock and checked CCTV.

This showed Lee selecting blades and putting them into his carrier bag before leaving without paying for them Although 34 packs of blades were missing, Lee when interviewed said he thought he had stolen eight, saying he was having money troubles, using heroin and needed money to fund his habit and that he was, “desperate for money”. He added he could not remember exactly how many packs of blades he had taken but thought it was eight.

Elliott Moore, his solicitor, said the offence took place during Falmouth Week after he had been drinking, which did not mix with his medication. The next morning he had woken up with eight packs of razors. He had 42 previous convictions.

But Lee’s rate of offending had substantially reduced, said Mr Moore, since he had decided to set a better example to his young son. He had been taking heroin to ease a back problem.

Lee was given a conditional discharge for two years, told to pay £51.84 compensation and £75 costs and surcharge.