A heroin addict who has been sentenced at least 80 times by the courts has been given another chance to turn his life round and kick his habit.

Peter Charman, 27, who has been described as having an “horrendous record” has been ordered to complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme by Medway magistrates.

He admitted stealing DVDs from The Range at the Dockside Outlet Centre, Chatham Maritime, when he appeared in court.

Magistrates heard Charman, of Tobruk Way, Wayfield, Chatham, went into the store in June and stole £86.94 of DVDs. When police caught up with him he admitted stealing the items during interviews.

Piers Restell, prosecuting, said: “He made full and frank admissions during interview and was identified in store placing the items in his bag and left without paying.

“He told officers he had sold them for £20 to pay for baby milk for his child.”

Magistrates also heard Charman has 36 pages of previous offences listed with the court and had been sentenced at least 80 times for various offences and breaches of orders and had served prison sentences including having suspended sentences activated.

“Your record is quite horrendous. Only you have the motivation to turn it around. Make it work" - Moira Spearman

The court also heard Charman was very keen to come off drugs after 10 years on heroin and wanted to live with his fiancée and son.

It was also said in court that if he was not jailed, he would be moving to Guildford in Surrey to focus on getting away from drugs as he had family members there.

Magistrates decided to jail Charman for 90 days but suspended the term for two years.

He was also placed on a 12-month community order which will involve him being supervised by probation for the period and will also see him complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme.

Charman was also ordered to pay £86.94 in compensation and £85 costs.

Chairman of the bench Moira Spearman told him: “Your record is quite horrendous. Only you have the motivation to turn it around. Make it work.”