A SOLICITOR has told a court there is no point jailing his “hopeless” junkie client because the prisons are full of heroin.

William Nelson told Canterbury magistrates that Craig Cook, 32, had been on a “revolving door” of taking drugs on the street and taking drugs in prison for more than 10 years.

Homeless Cook was seen on CCTV hiding clothes stolen from Gap under cars parked behind BHS.

He was arrested and at court admitted theft.

Mr Nelson said: “My client would not benefit from going to prison because heroin is rife in prison.

“He has been in and out of prison and it’s not working. He was last released from prison on March 26 and a month later he is back in court.

“Mr Cook is a hopeless addict and prison is not much of a punishment. He will be using heroin in prison.”

Cook, who sleeps at the night shelter in Station Road East, was released on bail and will be sentenced on May 28.