A DRUG addict bought a jacket which had been stolen from a car, a court heard.

Gary Leggett, aged 32, paid £10 for the Helly Hansen coat even though he knew it was stolen, Plymouth magistrates were told.

Leggett, of Vinstone Way, Weston Mill, admitted handling stolen goods on February 1.

Gareth Warden, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that a jacket worth £45 was stolen from a locked car in Barne Barton overnight on January 31.

He added police received information which led them to Leggett's door.

Mr Warden said Leggett's father consented to a search and the jacket was found in a wardrobe. He added Leggett immediately confessed to officers, saying a woman had come to the door and sold it to him for £10. The court heard that she told him it had been stolen.

Mr Warden said Leggett was already on a court order to tackle his drug problem.

Alan Harris, for Leggett, said his addiction was his 'main problem'.

He added that Leggett had trouble understanding how he had committed an offence.

Magistrates adjourned sentence until April 5. Leggett must not commit further offences and comply with his Drug Rehabilitation Requirement. He must also follow all instructions from probation officers.