A DRUG addict claimed he stole because he could not afford to put food on the table for his two children – even though he was high on cocaine when he was arrested.

Michael Hodgson, 31, stole coffee, cheese and three boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates in three separate supermarket shoplifting incidents, Bristol Magistrates' Court heard.

Yesterday he admitted the offences, stealing coffee and cheese from Somerfield in Lower High Street, Shirehampton on September 2; coffee worth £6 from the same shop the next day and taking four boxes of chocolates worth about £20 from Co-op in Henbury on July 15.

Hodgson, of Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, also admitted failing to surrender to court bail on August 24.

James King, prosecuting, said: "He tested positive for cocaine and opiates when he was arrested for the July matter."

The court heard Hodgson was on incapacity benefit and lived with his partner and two sons, aged three and five.

Steve George, defending, said: "He has been out of trouble since 2004. He developed a small drug habit for heroin and cocaine.

"Through his GP he managed to get himself a methadone script.

"Until recently he was receiving family tax credit and child support but for reasons he can't explain they ceased. He and his partner were very short of money."

The court heard a drug and alcohol team who worked with Hodgson believed he stole to fund his habit but he denied this was the case.

Magistrates gave Hodgson a conditional discharge for 12 months, and imposed a £100 fine, £10 compensation and a victim surcharge of £15, although time served in custody was accepted instead of payment.