A shoplifter was high on drugs when he stole £165 worth of razors and face cream from a supermarket.

Edward Hewer, 29,  had entered Tesco in Whitehaven on April 22, which a criminal behaviour order banned him from doing, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Hewer had placed the items into a bag and left the store, without making any attempt to pay. A security alarm had gone off as Hewer left the store and he dropped the bag.

Hewer admitted the offence and said he was on Xanax and valium. He said he wasn’t sure if the store was on the shop watch scheme.

MORE FROM COURT: Man remanded in custody after being accused of burglary and assault

The defendant, of King Street Whitehaven, had pleaded guilty to theft from a shop and breaching a criminal behaviour order, at a hearing on April 7.

Hewer was due to be sentenced for the offences on July 12 but did not attend court.

He pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to court bail, when he appeared in court on Monday.

John Cooper, defending, said Hewer had “panicked” and thought he was going to be sent to prison.

Magistrates gave Hewer a 12-month community order, with 20 rehabilitation activity days and a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

He was given a four-month curfew, to run daily from 7pm to 7am, and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

MORE FROM COURT: Drink-driver was more than twice the legal limit