A HEROIN user who stole a wallet and other valuables from two cars in the middle of the night has been given a court order to tackle his habit.

Lee Cork, aged 35, admitted two charges of theft and going equipped to steal from the vehicles on June 22 last year.

But Plymouth magistrates heard that Cork acted as a lookout for an accomplice and did not touch either vehicle.

Cork, of Craven Avenue in Mount Gould, admitted stealing a wallet, £200 in cash, a tool box and other items worth £775 from one vehicle in Plympton. He also admitted stealing other items including a bank card and a bottle of soft drink from a second vehicle nearby and going equipped for theft with a crow bar and a pair of pliers.

Angela Furniss, prosecuting, said that a resident in Canhaye Close spotted two men acting suspiciously near a couple of parked vehicles at about 2.45am. He called the police who arrived within minutes and caught Cork hiding nearby but the other man escaped.

Tony Daniel, for Cork, said that he had been approached by a man who did not have transport to take him to Plympton so he could steal from vehicles. Both the cars were unlocked.

He added that the other man handed Cork a bag with the tools as they ran away before discarding the stolen items, which were recovered.

Mr Daniel said that Cork had gone to the Harbour drugs and alcohol service for help, but had fallen from a ladder and suffered serious injuries to his back. The court heard he has had a metal plate put into his back, but one of the attaching screws had sheared off.

He added: "He seems to have stabilised himself on a methadone prescription but has previously taken heroin to top up."

Magistrates imposed a community order for 24 months under the supervision of the probation service and a 12-month Drug Rehabilitation Requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £60 prosecution costs.