A Pembroke man who admitted stealing toiletries to feed his drug habit has been ordered to observe Drug Treatment Court.

Paul Johnson, 30, pleaded guilty in Magistrates’ Court this morning to stealing $129.99 worth of items from a MarketPlace store in Hamilton.

The court heard that at about 5pm on February 17, Johnson was seen entering the store for a second time that day.

Prosecutor Larissa Burgess said that a witness saw him pick up a basket and fill it with items in the toiletry aisle.

Johnson was then observed as he put the items into his pink backpack and left the store.

The complainant approached Johnson, informed him of his suspicion that he had taken the items, and asked him to see the bag.

Johnson complied and the police were called after he removed the eleven items that he had not paid for.

In court, Johnson explained: “I’m just trying to maintain a drug habit.”

He apologised for his actions and said he has it “hard right now”.

When asked about his drug habit by magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo, Johnson said: “I would like to get help for it. I really need help for it.”

Mr Tokunbo ordered Johnson to attend and observe Drug Treatment Court every Tuesday until pre-sentencing reports have been carried out.

He granted $1,000 bail with a surety and adjourned the matter to August 7 for sentencing.

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