Thief who stole gin, meat, razors, washing liquid and wine given a last chance to turn his life around.

Dennis Hudson admitted seven counts of theft from shops across Washington at an earlier hearing and appeared at court in South Tyneside on Friday, February 28 for sentence.

But magistrates adjourned his case to give him a chance to prove he can be rehabilitated.

Hudson, who gave his address in court as Manor View, Concord, had been in custody since a previous hearing on Valentine’s Day - with solicitor Paul McAlindon saying his client had begun a methadone programme while in jail and was “in the best position he has been in for quite some time”.

Prior to being remanded in custody, Hudson was sleeping rough following his father’s death and unable to claim benefits due to not having a permanent address.

He began using heroin in the last few months.

Mr McAlindon urged magistrates to take a chance on Hudson – and said his client was keen to engage with a drug rehabilitation programme.

Hudson was bailed pending sentencing, with magistrates ordering him to live and sleep at the address he provided to the court.

He was also barred from Sainsbury’s and Savers at the Galleries, Washington Wine and Convenience store and two branches of the Co-Op.

John Lee, chairman of the bench, branded his record for theft “absolutely horrendous” and added: “This is your golden opportunity. Grab it with both hands because you might not get another one.”

Hudson will be sentenced on Friday, March 27.