Marco Andrew Earley, 43, of Spilsby Road, was described by the prosecution at Boston Magistrates' Court on Wednesday as having a 'prolific record' for theft.

Earley was released from prison in May after serving three months for theft, only then to be charged with another such offence dating from January.

He pleaded guilty to the offence on Wednesday.

Debra Cartwright, for the Crown, said Earley had been identified on CCTV leaving Asda with meat and other items valued at £155.14 in a trolley without paying, having entered the store 10 minutes earlier.

In mitigation, Rachel Stevens said a long-term addiction to heroin had fuelled her client's history of theft.

This particular offence, she said, occurred at an emotional time for her client, who had been left by his partner because she would not tolerate his drug abuse.

Miss Stevens said during his prison sentence Earley had made progress with his drug addiction and was back in a relationship with his former partner.

"He is very optimistic about the future," Miss Stevens said.

Chairman of the magistrates Steve Burgess said they recognised the progress Earley had made in terms of his drug dependency, and that he was back in a supportive relationship. Magistrates also acknowledged he had served a prison sentence since the offence took place.

"We are going to take the unusual step for a person who has a record like yours," said Mr Burgess. "We are, in fact, going to hand it back to you," he continued.

The court sentenced Earley, who is on income support, to a two-year conditional discharge and ordered him to pay only the £60 costs.

"The ball is now very much in your court," said Mr Burgess.