A THIEF was "out of control on crack cocaine" when he committed offences in and around Ludlow, Hereford Magistrates Court has heard.

Luke Fenn from Ludlow is already serving a prison sentence for previous offences. But on January 10, he was sentenced to a further 18 weeks in custody after he pleaded guilty to stealing aftershave and gin from shops and handling stolen antiques.

The 34-year-old claimed that he was "just tagging along" with another person involved in the offending.

Prosecutor Lauren Millichip said that at the time of the offences, Fenn had been using £120 of crack cocaine a day and that "his drug use was out of control". He had stolen the alcohol with the intention of reselling it to buy more drugs.

However, Miss Millichip said he "felt bad" and had offered to repay the shops.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for one count of handling stolen goods.

A further four-week sentences were imposed for two counts of theft, and will run concurrently with the longer prison term.

Fenn must also pay a victim surcharge of £154.