A shoplifter was given a custodial sentence after stealing £17 worth of razor blades.

Magistrates in Colchester gave Trevor O'Callaghan, 23, of no fixed abode, 28 days in prison, but because he had already served 17 days on remand he was allowed to leave court.

They heard O'Callaghan went to Boots the Chemist in Colchester town centre with the intention of stealing razor blades to pay for his heroin habit.

Nicola Leppard, prosecuting, said: "The theft occurred on March 15, when O'Callaghan was spotted standing in the men's aisle of the shop next to the plain clothes store detective.

"He took two packets of Mach Three razor blades and removed the security tags before putting them down the front of his trousers."

Russell Haldane, mitigating, said: "He was perfectly candid in interview, and his guilty plea was entered straight away.

"He is estranged from his parents and has been living rough for four years, but while on remand he has undergone a detox programme and is a healthier person."