A drug addict who admitted a string of thefts has been jailed.

Anthony John Richard Lyons, aged 31, of Mona Drive, Douglas, stole items from Boots, Superdrug and Dealz and also attempted a theft from JD Sports.

The crimes were committed while he was subject to a suspended sentence and High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced him to another eight weeks in respect of that, bringing his total penalty to 16 weeks.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the court how police were called to JD Sports in Strand Street in Douglas on February 26.

Staff saw Lyons putting a pair of women’s leggings into his bag and challenged him.

He put the item back and left the store.

However, further inquiries found that Lyons had stolen items from Boots the chemist, Superdrug and Dealz that same day.

CCTV footage showed him taking a number of items of an unknown value from Boots and put them in a Sports Direct bag, then leave without paying.

He was then seen in Superdrug and Dealz with a woman with a pushchair.

Lyons was seen taking facial products from Superdrug valued at £24 and electrical items from Dealz, of an unknown value.

Defence advocate David Clegg said that his client had an issue with substance abuse and had no memory of taking the items.

’The Drug and Alcohol Team will continue to work with him while in custody and on his release,’ said the advocate.

’There is very little in the way of mitigating factors. There was a complete lack of sophistication in the offences. It was inevitable Mr Lyons was going to be caught.

’When challenged he returned the item in JD Sports and left voluntarily.

’It has to be accepted he is a drug addict.’

Mr Clegg went on to say that Lyons could lose his property if he was sent to custody.

Mrs Hughes told Lyons: ’Clearly you are someone who is struggling and wanting to rid themselves of drug addiction. It’s not going to be an easy road for you.’