A PRINCE ROCK man who had problems with drink and drugs stole his girlfriend's new bank card while she was in hospital, Plymouth Crown Court heard, writes Graham Broach.

Jamie Hughes then used the Halifax Bank card to withdraw five lots of cash totalling £570.

Hughes pleaded guilty to six counts of theft at a previous hearing.

David Gittins, prosecuting, said Hughes, aged 22 and from Williams Avenue, found out on November 26 that his girlfriend had lost her card the previous day and applied for a new one.

The following day, he asked her if he could stay at her home, and she lent him the keys while she went into Derriford Hospital for an operation.

On November 29, the bank sent the new card and the following day the woman came home to find the bank letter with no card and Hughes' fingerprints on the envelope.

Mr Gittins said Hughes had previous convictions for threatening behaviour and theft, and was currently serving a suspended sentence for possession of an offensive weapon, a truncheon.

Ali Rafati, for Hughes, said his life had gone off the rails and he had been using large quantities of drink and drugs, including valium and cocaine.

He was ashamed and remorseful, and afraid of losing his accommodation if jailed.

The judge, Recorder Paul Dunkels QC, said the offence was mean and despicable.

He sentenced him to four months for the thefts plus two months for the breach, both suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete an Addressing Substance Related Offending programme and a Victim Awareness Activity Requirement.

He made no compensation order due to unemployed Hughes' lack of means.