A MAN awaiting trial for conspiracy to blackmail appeared at Stroud Magistrates' Court via video link on Wednesday to admit shoplifting and possessing heroin and cannabis.
Benjamin Jones, aged 31, of Allen Drive, Stroud admitted stealing a digital set-top box worth £22.99 from Argos in Merrywalks on April 28.
He also admitted possessing 3g of heroin with a street value of £45 in Gloucester on May 19 and possessing heroin and cannabis with a combined street value of £55 in Stroud on June 3.
Prosecutor Graham Dono said: "Jones was captured on CCTV stealing the set-top box from a window display.
"police were called and he was caught in the car park at Merrywalks."
Mr Dono explained that with the first drugs offence in Gloucester police saw Jones put a lump of wrapped drugs into his mouth and on the second occasion in Stroud he had a packet of drugs on his person.
Lisa Ellis, defending, said: "These offences are not of the most serious character.
"In all cases Jones has co-operated with police in interview."
Jones was fined £175 plus a victim surcharge of £15.
As he is already in custody he will instead serve seven days imprisonment in lieu of the fine.
No costs were ordered.
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