WITHIN the space of three weeks a serial shoplifter from the Isle of Wight was back in court — this time for stealing £165 worth of Jack Daniels whiskey.

Roland Tomlin of Terminus Road, Cowes, admitted shoplifting on July 14, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 13.

Three weeks before his appearance, Tomlin stole gin and wine worth £391, which he 'stole to order' so he could buy drugs.

Tomlin, on that occasion, was ordered to repay the sum as compensation.

At around 11.30am on July 14, Tomlin walked into Sainsbury's in Cowes, selected five one-litre bottles of Jack Daniels and made off without paying.

Tomlin, 46, has an extensive criminal record, which includes burglary and numerous thefts, dating from 1994, said Lauren Stone, prosecuting.

In mitigation, Barry Arnett said Tomlin has mental health and ADHD issues.

The list of problems also included drug addiction, financial crisis and unsettled accommodation.

"He finally knows he can't keep coming back to court. He's knocked class A drugs on the head," Mr Arnett said.

Tomlin told magistrates: "I couldn't make ends meet. It was a toss up between eating or dying."

Tomlin must pay £165 compensation.