A PROLIFIC thief stole from a Merry Hill store just days after avoiding jail for burgling his mother's house.

Scott Westwood commited the latest offence, stealing ink cartrages, nine days after he was allowed to keep his freedom for taking electrical goods, jewellery and a camera valued at over £1,000 from his mother.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told 26-year-old Westwood, of Stourbridge Road, Dudley whose long criminal record contains more than 40 theft offences together with burglary, robbery and assaults, was caught on CCTV taking the cartridges which were valued at £290.

Recorder Richard Bond told him: "You were extremely lucky to get a suspended sentence on your last appearance in court.

"It was a particularly mean offence because you burgled your own mother's home and you stole property of a sentimental value while you also destroyed family photographs."

He said Westwood had been clearly given a golden chance by the judge and a stern warning of just what would happen to him if he breached the order.

Westwood admitted theft and he was given four weeks jail and told he must serve the full 12 month custodial term that was imposed but suspended for the burglary.

The court was told Westwood had destroyed photographs of his stepfather out of "revenge" because of his "hatred" for the man.

Gerry Bermingham, for Westwood, said that at the time of the theft his client, who had resolved his drug habit while being held on remand in prison had no food, nowhere to live and no support.

The court heard that when he was arrested by police Westwood tested positive for opiates and cocaine. When questioned he told officers he was hungry and he took the items to buy food.