A prolific shoplifter has avoided jail after he was caught with heroin and crack cocaine.
Richard Burley, 39, was caught with the two substances in Eastleigh on August 19, 2022.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a controlled drug of Class A at Southampton Magistrates' Court.
READ MORE: Southampton spirit thief stole Jack Daniels and Smirnoff
Burley, of Grange Road, Netley also admitted to nine counts of theft from a shop.
This relates to £466.11 worth of meat, cheese, beer and crisps he stole from Co-Op, Poundland and Marks and Spencer in Eastleigh.
The offences were committed between June 14, 2023 and January 21 this year.
He was given a 25-week sentence suspended for 18 months with up to 20 rehabilitation days.
Burley must also pay £85 court costs.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article