A junkie who stole from his own family was shopped to police by his father, a court heard.

His father Geoffrey Smith said calling police was the only way of getting his son off the killer drug.

Heroin addict Gavin Smith drew a knife and threatened to stab himself after police were called to the family home, Basildon Magistrates Court was told.

Smith, 20, admitted stealing jewellery and video cassettes from his family's Nelson Road home in Basildon.

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports and Smith remanded in custody. There was no bail application.

Smith frequently stole from his family to fund his habit, the court was told.

Lynn Officer, prosecuting, said: "The aggrieved in this case is his father and it is with regret that it has come to this stage.

"But Mr Smith can no longer cope with the heroin addiction and resulting behaviour which causes him to steal from his family."

Smith stole a £400 bracelet and a video cassettes worth nearly £70 to pay for his next fix.

His father called the police but tore up the crime complaint when Smith reached for a knife when they turned up on the doorstep.

Mrs Officer said: "Gavin had a knife from the kitchen draw and threatened to harm himself.

"The officer asked Mr Smith to tear up the complaint paper to allay the threats he was making. As you can see, the complaint form is taped together."

Mark Pearson, defending, said Smith knew his father had his best interests at heart.

He said: "His son is aware he is not doing this with an animosity.

"He feels it is the last hope to deal with his addiction. He is not prepared to have his son with him in the home."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.