A 34-YEAR-OLD man who became addicted to the former legal high known as Spice committed a string of shoplifting offences to fund his habit.

Blackburn magistrates heard it was only when he was arrested that Anthony Bradley realised the drug had rapidly taken a grip of him.

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Bradley, of Preston New Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft from the One Stop Shop on New Bank Road.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £30 compensation, £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said it was only his arrest that had forced Bradley to take stock and make major changes in his life.

"He had very quickly become addicted to Spice and after his arrest he realised things were spiralling out of control as a result of this particular drug," said Mr Taylor. "Given that until recently Spice had been legal he didn't think he would get caught in its trap as quickly as he was. It is extremely addictive."

Mr Taylor said his client had realised that was enough was enough and had taken steps to distance himself from the company he used to keep and the lifestyle he was leading.

"He has got his own accommodation and he is no longer using Spice," said Mr Taylor.