A 21-YEAR-OLD stole a bottle of whiskey worth £8.50 so he could be helped with his addictions, a court heard.

Jack Stevenson-Grier, of Cook Street, Barrow, appeared at Furness Magistrates' Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

Lee Dacre, prosecuting, told the court how Stevenson-Grier took the whiskey from KLM in Bath Street, Barrow, on October 30 and told the shop assistant he would call the police himself.

Maureen Fawcett, defending, said: "He is struggling to even stand here today.

"This was a cry for help, to get the help that he needs for his drug addiction."

Addressing the courtroom, the defendant added that he was "crying out" for help with his addictions.

Presiding magistrate, Gary Ormondroyd imposed a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered Stevenson-Grier pay compensation of £8.50 to KLM stores as well as a victim surcharge of £20.

Speaking to the defendant, he said: "The onus is on you to keep away from court."